See main article: 1997 Chennai Open.
Jonas Björkman and Nicklas Kulti were the defending champions, but did not participate this year.
Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes won in the final 7–6, 7–5, against Oleg Ogorodov and Eyal Ran.
Rick Leach / Jonathan Stark (semifinals) Kent Kinnear / 
Max Mirnyi (quarterfinals)
Mahesh Bhupathi / Leander Paes (champions)
Pat Cash / Sander Groen (quarterfinals)