A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, in full Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, (born October 15, 1931, RAMESWARAM, India—died July 27, 2015, SHILLONG), Indian scientist and POLITICIAN who played a LEADING role in the development of India's MISSILE and nuclear weapons programs. He was president of India from 2002 to 2007.