Serbanibathynella primaindica gen. n., sp. n. is described from India. It is the sister taxon of the genus Nannobathynella Noodt, 1969. The most spectacular apomorphic feature is the mandible, which has no gnathobase. Only three teeth persist on the first segment of the palp, which is subequal to the second segment in length. Both are equipped with strong musculature, and there is a joint between them allowing a backward swing of the terminal part of the palp. This joint is unique within Bathynellidae. Only Agnathobathynella ecclesi Schminke, 1980, can rival the new species in the specialization of mouthparts. The new species is the fifth species of Bathynellidae described from the tropics.