The Indian nuthatch (Sitta castanea) is a species of bird in the family Sittidae.

This species has been split by Rasmussen and Anderton (2005) [6] from the chestnut-bellied nuthatch.

The Indian nuthatch (including the older prateri of the Eastern Ghats) is found south of the Ganges river.

Similar to the chestnut-bellied nuthatch but has a smaller bill and a frosty crown that is paler than the mantle.

The wing and tail patterns lack contrast and has grey centres to the chestnut undertail coverts.