RBI Appoints S. Somanath and Reappoints Anand Mahindra to Central Board

The Reserve Bank of India appointed former ISRO chairman S. Somanath and reappointed Anand Mahindra as part-time non-official directors on its Central Board on 21 August 2026.

Somanath led the Indian Space Research Organisation during the successful Chandrayaan-3 landing and other missions. His addition brings scientific and organisational experience to the board. Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, continues for a further term.

Part-time non-official directors contribute external perspectives on monetary policy, banking regulation and financial stability. The Central Board oversees the general direction of the central bank's work.

The appointments were notified in the ordinary course of board renewal. They coincide with ongoing discussions on financial sector regulation, digital payments infrastructure and the management of external shocks.

Somanath's background in large-scale public technology projects may prove relevant as the RBI continues work on digital currency experiments and cybersecurity standards. Mahindra's corporate experience spans manufacturing, finance and international markets.