Binary transition metal oxides have attracted wide attention in Li-ion batteries due to their multivalent electronic states and improved electrical conductivity. In this context, we have, for the first time, successfully synthesized reduced graphene oxide- nickel tungstate (RGO/NiWO4) nanocomposites by one pot hydrothermal method and employed them as anode for Li-ion battery. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic images show complete dispersion of NiWO4 nanoparticles (NPs) of size 20-50 nm on reduced graphene oxide sheets. The synthesized nanocomposites RGO/NiWO4 (1-3) (RGO:NiWO4 wt ratios of 50:50, 25:75 and 15:85) exhibit enhance electrochemical performance and cycling stability as compared to bare NiWO4 NPs. The electrodes made with bare NiWO4, RGO/ NiWO4-1, RGO/ NiWO4-2 and RGO/ NiWO4-3 nanocomposites deliver specific capacities of 67, 578, 647 and 498 mAh g-1 respectively at 100 mA g-1 current density after 100 cycles achieving 98% coulombic efficiency. The improved cycling performance of nanocomposite is attributed to the incorporation of conducting graphene nanosheets, which not only act as flexible confinements but also prevent the detachment, agglomeration and pulverization of NiWO4 NPs. The excellent electrochemical performance of nanocomposite electrode in terms of specific capacity, cycling stability and rate capability makes it an ideal anode material for lithium ion battery. © 2017 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.