Special forces of India - Revision history

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2021-12-25T22:44:11Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 04:14, 26 December 2021
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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=October 2013}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=October 2013}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=June 2016}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=June 2016}}
	<!--One image is enough, DO NOT ADD MORE IMAGES (as per MOS:IMAGES)-->[[File:Indian Air Force Garud Special Forces (2).jpg\|thumb\|250px\|right\|[[Garud Commando Force\|Garud ~~Commandos~~]] of the [[Indian Air Force]].]]		<!--One image is enough, DO NOT ADD MORE IMAGES (as per MOS:IMAGES)-->[[File:Indian Air Force Garud Special Forces (2).jpg\|thumb\|250px\|right\|[[Garud Commando Force\|Garud Commando]] of the [[Indian Air Force]]. He's armed with [[TAR-21\|CTAR-21]] 5.56x45 mm NATO Assault Rifle.]]
	India has several [[special forces]] (SF) units. The three branches of the Indian Armed Forces have separate special forces units, viz. the [[Para SF]] of the Indian Army, the [[MARCOS]] of the Indian Navy and the [[Garud Commando Force]] of the Indian Air Force. There are other special forces which are not controlled by the military but operate under civilian organisations such as [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)\|Home ministry]]’s [[National Security Guard]].<ref>{{Cite web\|date=June 2016\|title=Employment of India's Special Operations Forces\|url=https://www.orfonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ORF_IssueBrief_150_SinhaBalakrishnan.pdf\|access-date=26 September 2020\|website=[[Observer Research Foundation]]}}</ref> Small groups from the military SF units are deputed in the [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]], which has a unified command and control structure.<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Peri\|first=Dinakar\|date=2019-05-16\|title=Centre names officers for tri-service divisions\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-names-officers-for-tri-service-divisions/article27142117.ece\|access-date=2019-11-08\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>		India has several [[special forces]] (SF) units. The three branches of the Indian Armed Forces have separate special forces units, viz. the [[Para SF]] of the Indian Army, the [[MARCOS]] of the Indian Navy and the [[Garud Commando Force]] of the Indian Air Force. There are other special forces which are not controlled by the military but operate under civilian organisations such as [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)\|Home ministry]]’s [[National Security Guard]].<ref>{{Cite web\|date=June 2016\|title=Employment of India's Special Operations Forces\|url=https://www.orfonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ORF_IssueBrief_150_SinhaBalakrishnan.pdf\|access-date=26 September 2020\|website=[[Observer Research Foundation]]}}</ref> Small groups from the military SF units are deputed in the [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]], which has a unified command and control structure.<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Peri\|first=Dinakar\|date=2019-05-16\|title=Centre names officers for tri-service divisions\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-names-officers-for-tri-service-divisions/article27142117.ece\|access-date=2019-11-08\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

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	===Para (Special Forces)===		===Para (Special Forces)===
	{{main\|Para (Special Forces)}}		{{main\|Para (Special Forces)}}

	[[File:Para SF operator in Ladakh (cropped).jpg\|alt=\|thumb\|Para SF soldiers in Ladakh, 2020]]		[[File:Para SF operator in Ladakh (cropped).jpg\|alt=\|thumb\|Para SF soldiers in Ladakh, 2020]]
	The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), or Para (SF), are the special forces of the Indian Army.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Shiv Aroor \|last2=Rahul Singh \|title=INDIA'S MOST FEARLESS: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes \|date=20 September 2017 \|publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited \|isbn=9789386815422 \|url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/INDIA_S_MOST_FEARLESS/Sr42DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=most+fearless+parachute+regiment+(special+forces)&pg=PT15&printsec=frontcover \|access-date=26 September 2020 \|quote=As second-in-command, or 2IC, of an elite Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), or the Para-SF as it is called, Maj. Tango had...\|author1-link=Shiv Aroor }}</ref><ref name="Katoch Summer 2011">{{cite web \|last1=Katoch \|first1=P.C. \|title=The Bane of Pseudo Specialisation \|url=https://archive.claws.in/images/journals_doc/1395650109P%20C%20Katoch%20%20CJ%20Summer%202011.pdf \|website=[[Centre for Land Warfare Studies]] journal \|access-date=26 September 2020}}</ref>		The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), or Para (SF), are the special forces of the Indian Army.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Shiv Aroor \|last2=Rahul Singh \|title=INDIA'S MOST FEARLESS: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes \|date=20 September 2017 \|publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited \|isbn=9789386815422 \|url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/INDIA_S_MOST_FEARLESS/Sr42DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=most+fearless+parachute+regiment+(special+forces)&pg=PT15&printsec=frontcover \|access-date=26 September 2020 \|quote=As second-in-command, or 2IC, of an elite Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), or the Para-SF as it is called, Maj. Tango had...\|author1-link=Shiv Aroor }}</ref><ref name="Katoch Summer 2011">{{cite web \|last1=Katoch \|first1=P.C. \|title=The Bane of Pseudo Specialisation \|url=https://archive.claws.in/images/journals_doc/1395650109P%20C%20Katoch%20%20CJ%20Summer%202011.pdf \|website=[[Centre for Land Warfare Studies]] journal \|access-date=26 September 2020}}</ref>
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	The list of PARA (SF) Battalions is as follows:<ref name="kar.nic.in">{{cite web\|url=http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/units.htm\|title=Welcome to The Parachute Regiment\|website=www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622025648/http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/units.htm\|archive-date=22 June 2015\|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=December 24, 2016\|title=Why Indian Army Special Forces are way behind US Navy SEALs or Israel's IDF despite upgrade\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/manohar-parrikar-300-crore-proposal-sanction-defence-359288-2016-12-24\|access-date=25 September 2020\|website=India Today\|quote=The newly raised 11 and 12 Para (SF) units...}}</ref>		The list of PARA (SF) Battalions is as follows:<ref name="kar.nic.in">{{cite web\|url=http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/units.htm\|title=Welcome to The Parachute Regiment\|website=www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622025648/http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/units.htm\|archive-date=22 June 2015\|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=December 24, 2016\|title=Why Indian Army Special Forces are way behind US Navy SEALs or Israel's IDF despite upgrade\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/manohar-parrikar-300-crore-proposal-sanction-defence-359288-2016-12-24\|access-date=25 September 2020\|website=India Today\|quote=The newly raised 11 and 12 Para (SF) units...}}</ref>
	{{Div col\|colwidth=30em}}		{{Div col\|colwidth=30em}}
	* 1 PARA (SF)		* 1 PARA (SF)"1st PARAs/Red Devils"
	* 2 PARA (SF)		* 2 PARA (SF)"Predators"
	* 3 PARA (SF)		* 3 PARA (SF)"Russell's Vipers"
	* 4 PARA (SF)		* 4 PARA (SF)"Daggers"
	* 9 PARA (SF)		* 9 PARA (SF)"Mountain Rats/Ghosts/Pirates"
	* 10 PARA (SF)		* 10 PARA (SF)"Desert Scorpions"
	* 11 PARA (SF)		* 11 PARA (SF)"Vipers"
	* 12 PARA (SF)		* 12 PARA (SF)"Dirty Dozens"
	* 21 PARA (SF)		* 21 PARA (SF)"Waghnakhs"

	{{Div col end}}		{{Div col end}}

	==Indian Navy==		==Indian Navy==
	[[File:~~INS Dega Conducts Mock Anti Hijack Exercise at Visakhapatnam Airport~~ (5).jpg\|thumb\| ~~MARCOS~~ during ~~a mock exercise at~~ [[~~INS Dega~~]]]]		[[File:MARCOS and US Navy SEALs, Urban Combat Training, MALABAR 2021 (bright).jpg\|thumb\|right\|A Marine Commando during urban combat training alongside [[US Navy SEALs]] and Japanese forces at Malabar 2021.]]

	===MARCOS===		===MARCOS===
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	==Indian Air Force==		==Indian Air Force==
	===Garud Commando Force===		===Garud Commando Force===
	{{main\|Garud Commando Force}}The Garud commandos are the special forces of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Their tasks include counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, providing security to IAF’s vulnerably located assets and various air force-specific special operations. First conceived in 2002, this unit was officially established on February 6, 2004.<ref name="VK Bhatia">{{Cite web\|last=V.K. Bhatia\|first=Air Marshal (Retd)\|date=October 2009\|title=Special Forces - Garuds for All Reasons\|url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=363\|access-date=2020-09-27\|website=SP’s Aviation\|language=en}}</ref>[[File:Garud Commandos of Indian Air Force.jpg\|thumb\|Garud Commandos.]]		{{main\|Garud Commando Force}}The Garud commandos are the special forces of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Their tasks include counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, providing security to IAF’s vulnerably located assets and various air force-specific special operations. First conceived in 2002, this unit was officially established on February 6, 2004.<ref name="VK Bhatia">{{Cite web\|last=V.K. Bhatia\|first=Air Marshal (Retd)\|date=October 2009\|title=Special Forces - Garuds for All Reasons\|url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=363\|access-date=2020-09-27\|website=SP’s Aviation\|language=en}}</ref>[[File:Garud Commandos of Indian Air Force (cropped).jpg\|thumb\|Garud Commandos.]]

	All Garuds are volunteers who are imparted a 52-week basic training, which includes a three-month probation followed by special operations training, basic airborne training and other warfare and survival skills. The last phase of basic training sees Garuds been deployed to get combat experience. Advanced training follows, which includes specialised weapons training.<ref name="VK Bhatia" /><ref name="garud">{{cite news\|date=6 Feb 2004\|title=Garud: IAF's commando force takes off\|newspaper=[[Rediff]]\|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/garud/20040206.htm\|access-date=17 May 2014}}</ref>[[File:Full Dress Rehearsal of IAF Fire Power demonstration Exercise 'Iron Fist 2013' at Pokharan, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on February 19, 2013 (1).jpg\|thumb\|170px\|Garud Commandos para-dropping at Exercise Iron Fist on [[Pokhran]] in 2013.]]		All Garuds are volunteers who are imparted a 52-week basic training, which includes a three-month probation followed by special operations training, basic airborne training and other warfare and survival skills. The last phase of basic training sees Garuds been deployed to get combat experience. Advanced training follows, which includes specialised weapons training.<ref name="VK Bhatia" /><ref name="garud">{{cite news\|date=6 Feb 2004\|title=Garud: IAF's commando force takes off\|newspaper=[[Rediff]]\|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/garud/20040206.htm\|access-date=17 May 2014}}</ref>[[File:Full Dress Rehearsal of IAF Fire Power demonstration Exercise 'Iron Fist 2013' at Pokharan, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on February 19, 2013 (1).jpg\|thumb\|170px\|Garud Commandos para-dropping at Exercise Iron Fist on [[Pokhran]] in 2013.]]

Khan786: Created page with "{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}} {{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}} File:Indian Air Force Garud S..."

2021-08-05T17:21:27Z

Created page with "{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}} {{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}} File:Indian Air Force Garud S..."

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:51, 5 August 2021
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imported>Belevalo: special forces india isn't a commnad

2021-06-08T20:03:01Z

special forces india isn't a commnad

New page

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
[[File:Indian Air Force Garud Special Forces (2).jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Garud Commando Force|Garud Commandos]] of the [[Indian Air Force]].]]
India has several [[special forces]] (SF) units. The three branches of the Indian Armed Forces have separate special forces units, viz. the [[Para SF]] of the Indian Army, the [[MARCOS]] of the Indian Navy and the [[Garud Commando Force]] of the Indian Air Force. There are other special forces which are not controlled by the military but operate under civilian organisations such as [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Home ministry]]’s [[National Security Guard]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 2016|title=Employment of India's Special Operations Forces|url=https://www.orfonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ORF_IssueBrief_150_SinhaBalakrishnan.pdf|access-date=26 September 2020|website=[[Observer Research Foundation]]}}</ref> Small groups from the military SF units are deputed in the [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]], which has a unified command and control structure.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2019-05-16|title=Centre names officers for tri-service divisions|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-names-officers-for-tri-service-divisions/article27142117.ece|access-date=2019-11-08|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

[[Research and Analysis Wing]], the external Intelligence agency of India, has separate special forces under its control, namely the [[Special Group (India)|Special Group]] and the [[Special Frontier Force]].

==Indian Army==
===Para (Special Forces)===
{{main|Para (Special Forces)}}
[[File:Para SF operator in Ladakh (cropped).jpg|alt=|thumb|Para SF soldiers in Ladakh, 2020]]
The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), or Para (SF), are the special forces of the Indian Army.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Shiv Aroor |last2=Rahul Singh |title=INDIA'S MOST FEARLESS: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes |date=20 September 2017 |publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited |isbn=9789386815422 |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/INDIA_S_MOST_FEARLESS/Sr42DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=most+fearless+parachute+regiment+(special+forces)&pg=PT15&printsec=frontcover |access-date=26 September 2020 |quote=As second-in-command, or 2IC, of an elite Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), or the Para-SF as it is called, Maj. Tango had...|author1-link=Shiv Aroor }}</ref><ref name="Katoch Summer 2011">{{cite web |last1=Katoch |first1=P.C. |title=The Bane of Pseudo Specialisation |url=https://archive.claws.in/images/journals_doc/1395650109P%20C%20Katoch%20%20CJ%20Summer%202011.pdf |website=[[Centre for Land Warfare Studies]] journal |access-date=26 September 2020}}</ref>
This unit was created in June 1966 in the aftermath of the [[1965 Indo-Pakistani war]]. An impromptu commando unit called Meghdoot Force, which took part in the 1965 war, formed the first nucleus of the permanent Para commando battalion which was to be raised under the Parachute Regiment. By 1969, the unit had grown into 2 battalions, viz. the 9 Para and the 10 Para. The unit's first combat missions were conducted during the [[1971 Indo-Pakistani war]] in which they undertook raids against Pakistan's military.<ref name="USA.2001">{{cite book|title=India: Foreign Policy & Government Guide|url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/India_Foreign_Policy_and_Government_Guid/pNayDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=India:+Foreign+Policy+%26+Government+Guide+para&pg=PA124&printsec=frontcover|access-date=18 May 2014|date=1 May 2001|publisher=International Business Publications|isbn=978-0-7397-8298-9|pages=123–125}}</ref>

In 1988, the 3 Para (SF) and 6 Para participated in the first known foreign intervention by the Indian Army during [[Operation Cactus]] in [[Maldives]].<ref name="USA.2001" /> Operation Cactus was launched to thwart a coup against the government of president [[Maumoon Abdul Gayoom]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Manu Pubby |title=India bringing Maldives into its security net |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/india-bringing-maldives-into-its-security-net/501583/2 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=26 September 2020 |quote=In 1988, India helped foil a coup attempt being assisted by Tamil rebels after it launched Operation Cactus on receiving a distress message from the then President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.}}</ref> In the late 1980s, the Para (SF) were deployed in [[Sri Lanka]] where they conducted helicopter-borne assaults and security operations.<ref name="USA.2001" />

Since the 1990s, the Para (SF) have been deployed on [[counter-terrorism]] operations in the [[Kashmir]] region against insurgents. These operations include raids and ambushes. In 1999, Para (SF) undertook operations against Pakistan’s military during the [[Kargil war]] which included raids against Pakistani infantry and special forces.<ref name="USA.2001" /> In 2002, the 2 Para (SF) participated in Operation Khukri in [[Sierra Leone]] to rescue 223 soldiers of the Indian Army's [[5th Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)|5/8 Gorkha Rifles]] who were deployed as [[United Nations|UN]] peacekeepers but were surrounded by militants from the Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dutta|first=Sujan|date=1 October 2016|title=The special tip of the spear|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/the-special-tip-of-the-spear/cid/1483255|access-date=2020-09-26|website=Telegraph India}}</ref> Some of the later reported missions carried out by Para (SF) include the [[2016 Indian Line of Control strike|2016 ′Surgical Strikes′]] and the 2015 [[2015 Indian counter-insurgency operation in Myanmar|Operation Hot Pursuit]], purportedly undertaken inside Myanmar.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Inside Story of India's 2016 'Surgical Strikes'|url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/09/the-inside-story-of-indias-2016-surgical-strikes/|access-date=2020-09-26|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-03-28|title=Operation Hot Pursuit: Watch History TV18 unravel the inside story of Indian Army's daring counter-insurgency strike - India News , Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/operation-hot-pursuit-watch-history-tv18-unravel-the-inside-story-of-indian-armys-daring-counter-insurgency-strike-4409365.html|access-date=2020-09-26|website=Firstpost}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-06-10|title=Myanmar denies India killed rebels on its soil, says won't let foreign attackers use its territory|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/myanmar-denies-india-killed-rebels-on-its-soil-says-won-t-let-foreign-attackers-use-its-territory/story-yqgtPd79X8bMgN9oPj48TP.html|access-date=2020-09-26|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

The list of PARA (SF) Battalions is as follows:<ref name="kar.nic.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/units.htm|title=Welcome to The Parachute Regiment|website=www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622025648/http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/units.htm|archive-date=22 June 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 24, 2016|title=Why Indian Army Special Forces are way behind US Navy SEALs or Israel's IDF despite upgrade|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/manohar-parrikar-300-crore-proposal-sanction-defence-359288-2016-12-24|access-date=25 September 2020|website=India Today|quote=The newly raised 11 and 12 Para (SF) units...}}</ref>
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* 1 PARA (SF)
* 2 PARA (SF)
* 3 PARA (SF)
* 4 PARA (SF)
* 9 PARA (SF)
* 10 PARA (SF)
* 11 PARA (SF)
* 12 PARA (SF)
* 21 PARA (SF)

{{Div col end}}

==Indian Navy==
[[File:INS Dega Conducts Mock Anti Hijack Exercise at Visakhapatnam Airport (5).jpg|thumb| MARCOS during a mock exercise at [[INS Dega]]]]

===MARCOS===
{{main|MARCOS}}

First conceived in 1985, the Marine Commando Force, also called MARCOS, was raised in February 1987. It is the special forces unit of the Indian Navy.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2016-07-12|title=Marcos get a new exclusive base at Bheemunipatanam in AP|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/marcos-get-a-new-exclusive-base-at-bheemunipatanam-in-ap-116071201218_1.html|access-date=2020-09-26}}</ref><ref name="Hiranandani 1991-2000">{{Cite book|last=Vice Admiral GM Hiranandani|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/Transition-to-Guardianship-07Apr16.pdf|title=Transition to Guardianship: The Indian Navy 1991–2000|publisher=Lancer|isbn=9781935501268|pages=81–82}}</ref> Initially, the [[U.S. Navy SEALs]] and British special forces trained a few officers of the Indian navy who formed the first core of MARCOS.<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 May 2011|title=Who Dares Wins|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/who-dares-wins/271657|access-date=2020-09-26|website=Outlook}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Ryan|first1=Mike|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eBNrNgAACAAJ|title=The Encyclopedia of the World's Special Forces: Tactics, History, Strategy, Weapons|last2=Mann|first2=Chris|last3=Stilwell|first3=Alexander|publisher=[[Spellmount]]|year=2003|isbn=9781862272316|quote=Volunteers from the diving unit were sent to train with the US Navy SEALs at Coronado, and a series of exchanges followed with the SBS. The result of this education in maritime special forces practice was the formation of the Indian Marine Special Forces in February 1987.}}</ref> Months after their creation, MARCOS were deployed in [[Sri Lanka]] against the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE) in July 1987. In the 1990s, MARCOS undertook numerous operations such as Operation Tasha (1991) against the LTTE, Operation Zabardust (1992) against a ship that was smuggling arms and in support of the United Nations in [[Somalia]] (1993). They also participated in the 1999 [[Kargil War]].<ref name="Hiranandani 1991-2000" /> Since 1995, MARCOS are permanently deployed for counter-terrorism operations in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] against militants.<ref name="Hiranandani 1991-2000" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=July 18, 2017|title=Now, MARCOS helping Army flush out terrorists in Kashmir|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kashmir-marcos-army-wular-lake-terrorists-1025049-2017-07-18|access-date=26 September 2020|website=India Today}}</ref> MARCOS had participated in efforts against the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]] alongside the [[National Security Guard]]s but their effectiveness was diluted due to bureaucratic indecision.<ref name="deadly delay">{{cite news|title=Deadly delay in calling the marine commandos|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/deadly-delay-in-calling-the-marine-commandos/articleshow/3774370.cms|access-date=20 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=30 Nov 2008}}</ref> MARCOS have also been deployed in anti-piracy operations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Indian Navy's Special Commandos Save Ship From Pirates In Gulf Of Aden|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-navy-vessel-thwarts-pirate-attack-on-indian-ship-in-gulf-of-aden-1759561|access-date=2020-09-26|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

After a 10 week long basic training, MARCOS are sent to train alongside Indian Army’s Para commandos for 3 weeks. Advanced training follows, during which MARCOS learn skills such as sky-diving, weapons training, counter-insurgency, languages and warfare in different terrains, among other things. Each MARCOS squad, called ''Prahar'', is composed of 8 soldiers.<ref name="Hiranandani 1991-2000" />

Some of the responsibilities of MARCOS are-<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-abhimanyu|title=INS Abhimanyu {{!}} Indian Navy|website=[[Indian Navy]]|access-date=2019-10-14}}</ref>

* Providing support to [[Amphibious warfare|Amphibious operations]].
* Special surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
* Clandestine operations inside hostile territory, including diving operations and raids.
* [[Counter-terrorism]] operations.

==Indian Air Force==
===Garud Commando Force===
{{main|Garud Commando Force}}The Garud commandos are the special forces of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Their tasks include counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, providing security to IAF’s vulnerably located assets and various air force-specific special operations. First conceived in 2002, this unit was officially established on February 6, 2004.<ref name="VK Bhatia">{{Cite web|last=V.K. Bhatia|first=Air Marshal (Retd)|date=October 2009|title=Special Forces - Garuds for All Reasons|url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=363|access-date=2020-09-27|website=SP’s Aviation|language=en}}</ref>[[File:Garud Commandos of Indian Air Force.jpg|thumb|Garud Commandos.]]

All Garuds are volunteers who are imparted a 52-week basic training, which includes a three-month probation followed by special operations training, basic airborne training and other warfare and survival skills. The last phase of basic training sees Garuds been deployed to get combat experience. Advanced training follows, which includes specialised weapons training.<ref name="VK Bhatia" /><ref name="garud">{{cite news|date=6 Feb 2004|title=Garud: IAF's commando force takes off|newspaper=[[Rediff]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/garud/20040206.htm|access-date=17 May 2014}}</ref>[[File:Full Dress Rehearsal of IAF Fire Power demonstration Exercise 'Iron Fist 2013' at Pokharan, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on February 19, 2013 (1).jpg|thumb|170px|Garud Commandos para-dropping at Exercise Iron Fist on [[Pokhran]] in 2013.]]

The mandated tasks of the Garuds include direct action, special reconnaissance, rescuing downed pilots in hostile territory, establishing airbases in hostile territory and providing air-traffic control to these airbases.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 November 2017|title=Indian Commandos Heads To Israel For 'Major' Military Drill|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/indian-commandos-in-israel-for-2-week-long-blue-flag-military-drills/304149|access-date=27 September 2020|website=Outlook}}</ref> The Garuds also undertake [[suppression of enemy air defences]] and the destruction of other enemy assets such as radars, evaluation of the outcomes of Indian airstrikes and use [[laser designator]]s to guide Indian airstrikes.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2017-10-11|title=Garud commandoes take first casualties after operating for 12 yrs in J&K|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/garud-commandoes-take-first-casualties-after-secretly-operating-for-12-yrs-117101101012_1.html|access-date=2020-09-27}}</ref>

The security of IAF installations and assets are usually performed by the Air Force Police and the [[Defence Security Corps]] even though some critical assets are protected by the Garuds.<ref name="VK Bhatia" />

== Research and Analysis Wing ==
=== Special Group ===
{{Main|Special Group (India)|l1 = Special Group}}
The [[Special Group (India)|Special Group]] is a confidential special forces unit of the [[Research and Analysis Wing]]. It was formed in 1981.<ref name="ht">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/special-group-warriors-of-stealth/story-qoVFwEMb9kHXNov80WKQRL.html|title=Special Group: Warriors of stealth|date=2014-02-09|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-10-06}}</ref> The responsibilities of the Special Group includes clandestine intelligence operations and [[covert operations]], with which the [[Government of India]] may not wish to be overtly associated.<ref name="indiatoday">{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/the-big-story/story/20140210-operation-bluestar-indira-gandhi-singh-bhindranwale-army-raw-paramilitary-unit-800036-1999-11-30|title=Operation Bluestar: The league of shadows|last=Unnithan|first=Sandeep|date=30 November 1999|work=[[India Today]]|access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref><ref name="ht" />

=== Special Frontier Force ===
{{Main|Special Frontier Force}}
The [[Special Frontier Force]] is a confidential special forces unit of the [[Research and Analysis Wing]] which was created on 14 November 1962 to undertake operations against the Chinese [[People's Liberation Army]]. Based in [[Chakrata]], [[Uttarakhand]], SFF is also known as the ''Establishment 22''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chushigangdruk.org/history/history11.htm|title=Army Establishment|access-date=25 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117183849/http://www.chushigangdruk.org/history/history11.htm|archive-date=17 January 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>The SFF became more famous within the administration as the "Establishment 22" because its first Inspector General (IG) Major Gen. [[Sajjan Singh of Ratlam|Sajjan Singh]], a [[Military Cross]] holder and a legendary figure in the [[British India Army]]. Singh commanded the [[22nd Mountain Regiment]] during [[World War II in Europe]] and a [[Long Range Desert Squadron]] (LRDS) in [[north Africa]].</ref> The force was put under the direct supervision of the [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau]], and later, the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external [[intelligence agency]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodsargam.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=2813|title=Bollywood Sargam - Special: Tibetan faujis in Bluestar|access-date=25 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502133625/http://www.bollywoodsargam.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=2813|archive-date=2 May 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Mohan|last1=Guruswamy|access-date=2019-11-19|title=The looking glass war in the Himalayas|url=https://www.asianage.com/opinion/oped/190419/the-looking-glass-war-in-the-himalayas.html|date=19 April 2019|website=The Asian Age}}</ref> It consists primarily of [[Tibetan people]] who are tasked to undertake operations in the tough terrain of the [[Himalayas]] and [[Tibet]], whose main goal was to conduct covert operations behind Chinese lines in case of another war between the [[People's Republic of China]] and India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/ColumnsOthers/The-curious-case-of-establishment-22/Article1-476533.aspx|title=The curious case of establishment 22|date=14 November 2009|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117121047/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/ColumnsOthers/The-curious-case-of-establishment-22/Article1-476533.aspx|archive-date=17 November 2009|access-date=29 May 2013}}</ref>

==Internal security agency with SF mandate==

===National Security Guard===
{{Main|National Security Guard}}
The [[National Security Guard]], which is a specialized [[counter-terrorism]] Federal Contingency Force. The NSG was formally created in 1986. It is modelled on the basis of the British [[Special Air Service]] and the German [[GSG 9]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nsg.gov.in/about-us/history-nsg|title=History of NSG {{!}} National Security Guard|website=www.nsg.gov.in|access-date=2019-11-08}}</ref> The NSG are popularly referred to as the 'Black Cats' due to their distinct black uniforms.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/nsgs-black-cat-commandoes-get-an-upgrade/articleshow/63636665.cms|title=NSG's Black Cat commandoes get an upgrade|date=2018-04-06|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-11-07}}</ref> It consists of the following two elements<ref name=":1" />-

* SAG (Special Action Group), which recruits personnel from the [[Indian Army]].
*SRG (Special Rangers Group), which recruits personnel from the [[Central Armed Police Forces]].
[[File:Indian nsg operator during 2021 Republic Day parade.jpg|thumb|NSG operator with [[SIG MPX]], [[M249|M249 SAW]] and [[Heckler & Koch MP5|MP5]] during Republic Day parade in 2021]]

===Special Protection Group===
{{main|Special Protection Group}}
The [[Special Protection Group]] is a specialised unit which provides protection to [[List of prime ministers of India|former Prime Ministers]] and the current [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] of India, along with their family members for a minimum duration of 5 years. It was set up in 1985 after the [[Assassination of Indira Gandhi|assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/manmohan-singh-set-to-lose-spg-cover/article29254685.ece|title=Manmohan Singh set to lose SPG cover|last=Haidar|first=Suhasini|date=2019-08-26|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-11-08|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> It is also [[special operations]] capable and has well-equipped soldiers trained for that purpose.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-08|title=Explained: What is SPG protection and who gets it?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/gandhi-family-spg-protection-sonia-rahul-priyanka-6110084/|access-date=2020-09-19|website=The Indian Express|language=en|quote=The SPG also has special operations commandos who carry ultra-modern assault rifles and wear dark-visor sunglasses with inbuilt communication earpieces, bulletproof vests, gloves and elbow/knee pads.}}</ref>

==In Popular Culture==

* In April 2017, a [[web series]] titled ''[[The Test Case (web series)|The Test Case]]'' was released featuring the fictional story of the first woman training to serve in a combat role within the Indian special force.
*''[[Uri: The Surgical Strike]]'' (2019) is a dramatised account of the tactical strike reportedly conducted by the [[Para (Special Forces)]] on the camps of terrorists across the [[Line of Control]] in retaliation for the [[2016 Uri attack]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/uri-the-surgical-strike-movie-review-vicky-kaushal-takes-pakistan-head-on-in-this-military-drama-1426887-2019-01-09|title=Uri The Surgical Strike Movie Review: Vicky Kaushal takes Pakistan head on in this military drama|date=9 January 2019|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-07-09}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]], Indian tri-services command at operational level

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Military of India}}

[[Category:Special forces of India| ]]
[[Category:Counter-terrorist organizations]]