A new species of lichen, Japewia indica sp. nov., is described from temperate forests of Munsiyari, Uttarakhand, India. The new taxon is characterised by a thin, yellowish-green thallus with blastidia, sessile black apothecia, and broadly ellipsoid to globose, multilayered ascospores. The species is morphologically related to Japewia subaurifera due to the size of its ascospores. Detailed morphological, anatomical and chemical analyses confirm its novelty. Comparisons with all four previously known Japewia species are provided. A worldwide key to the genus is provided to facilitate accurate identification. The genus is first generic record for Indian lichen biota. Keywords: Ascomycota, epiphytic lichen, India, lichenized fungi, temperate forest.