India has several elite special forces units designed to handle a range of specialized operations, including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare. Here are the key special forces units of India:
1. Para Special Forces (Para SF)
- Parent Organization: Indian Army
- Role: Known as “Paras” or “Red Devils,” these are highly trained units specializing in counter-terrorism, direct action, hostage rescue, and special reconnaissance.
- Notable Missions: Surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) and operations in the Kashmir Valley.
2. MARCOS (Marine Commandos)
- Parent Organization: Indian Navy
- Role: Also called “Marine Commandos” or “Bearded Commandos,” they are experts in maritime operations, amphibious warfare, counter-terrorism, and underwater missions.
- Notable Missions: Operations against pirates, counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, and securing Indian maritime assets.
3. Garud Commando Force
- Parent Organization: Indian Air Force
- Role: Specialized in airfield defense, search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, counter-terrorism, and airborne operations.
- Notable Missions: Deployment in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
4. National Security Guard (NSG)
- Parent Organization: Ministry of Home Affairs
- Role: Known as the “Black Cats,” NSG is a federal contingency force focused on counter-terrorism, anti-hijacking, and hostage rescue operations.
- Notable Missions: 2008 Mumbai attacks (26/11), Akshardham Temple attack, and several high-profile counter-terrorism operations.
5. COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action)
- Parent Organization: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Role: Specialized in guerrilla warfare, jungle warfare, and anti-Naxal operations.
- Notable Missions: Counter-insurgency operations in Naxal-affected regions.
6. Special Frontier Force (SFF)
- Parent Organization: Cabinet Secretariat, under the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
- Role: A covert paramilitary unit specializing in unconventional warfare, intelligence gathering, and cross-border operations.
- Notable Missions: Played a role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and operations in eastern Ladakh during the India-China standoff.
7. Force One
- Parent Organization: Maharashtra Police
- Role: A specialized counter-terrorism unit formed after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to respond swiftly to terror threats within Maharashtra.
- Notable Missions: Provides rapid response to potential terror situations in Mumbai.
8. Greyhounds
- Parent Organization: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Police
- Role: An elite anti-insurgency unit focused on combating Naxalite activity.
- Notable Missions: Known for its effectiveness in neutralizing Naxalite threats in the region.
9. Special Protection Group (SPG)
- Parent Organization: Ministry of Home Affairs
- Role: Responsible for providing close protection to the Prime Minister of India and former Prime Ministers.
- Specialization: Combines counter-terrorism, close combat, and high-security protocols.
10. Assam Rifles Special Forces
- Parent Organization: Assam Rifles
- Role: Specializes in counter-insurgency and border operations in the northeastern states of India.
These units are selected through rigorous training programs and are among the most skilled forces in the world for their respective roles.