Indian Special Forces: A Closer Look at India’s Elite Warriors
India, the world’s largest democracy with a population of 1.4 billion people, needs a strong defence, especially from its two enemy neighbours, China and Pakistan. Apart from the two neighbours, India also has threats emanating from the growing terrorism around its peninsular, which necessitates having a strong defence force.
The Indian Armed Forces are considered to be one of the largest and most powerful in the world. They are touted as among the finest in terms of guarding the borders and seas of the country. India possesses the finest special forces in the world, also. This article will teach us more about the best special forces in India and get to witness their power and competencies.
One of the elite and highly trained forces in the world is the Indian special forces. They are a strong force as a result of their courage, prowess, and commitment to national security. We shall also examine the various special forces units known in India and the way they assist in guarding the nation.
Indian Army Para Commandos
The Indian Army has a special forces unit, which is known as para Commandos. They receive training on airborne operations, counter-terrorism, and special reconnaissance. The advantages include their mobility and operability in the mountains, deserts, and jungles.
Since the 2016 terror attack on an Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, perpetrated by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish -e- Mohammed under the leadership of Maulana Mashood Azhar, India crossed the Line of Control (LoC) 11 days later. Surgical attacks were executed by the Indian Army Para Special Force Commandos on the terror camps located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leaving behind a large number of terrorists, as well as demolishing the launch pad using the power of the anti-tank guided missiles and heavy munitions. The world commended the strike of being courageous and able to operate cross-border.
Ghatak Platoon Commandos
The Ghatak Platoon is a specialized platoon within the Indian Army’s infantry battalions. They are trained to undertake covert operations behind enemy lines and are experts in close-quarters combat and ambush tactics.
Ghatak platoon is widely used in anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian Army in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police Special Operation Group (SOG). Ghatak Platoon has been successful in many high-voltage anti-terror operations in the Kashmir valley, but it has also lost several of its soldiers on duty, committing supreme sacrifice for the great motherland.
The daunting spirit, courage, and also the self-sacrificing nature of the Ghatak platoon always inspire Indian youths to join the Indian Army and defend their motherland on the border.
Indian Navy MARCOS (Marine Commandos)
The Marine Commandos, also known as MARCOS, are the special operations unit of the Indian Navy. Indian Navy MARCOS is regarded as the most dangerous and most powerful commando force of India, and they are also among the top 5 special forces in the world. They are trained in maritime warfare, including underwater operations, and are capable of conducting special reconnaissance, direct action missions, and hostage rescue operations.
Indian Navy MARCOS have been used in several operations in the past, including some anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, where people called them ‘Daari Wala Fauj’, that is ‘Soldiers with Beards’, and there is terror among terrorist forces about MARCOS; the fear is so deep that they are scared even by the name of MARCOS.
Garud Commando Force
The Garud Commando Force is the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force. They are trained in airborne operations, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism. The Garud Commandos are known for their expertise in airfield seizure and combat search and rescue operations.
Garud Commandos have specific training in airborne operations, like airdropping inside enemy territory and then seizing vital installations of the enemy and capturing enemy airbases or retaining their own airbases from the hands of the enemy, etc.
They are deployed mainly to secure India’s airbases and air assets all over the country, but they are also trained for anti-terror operations and have also been used in Jammu and Kashmir for anti-terror ops alongside other special forces of India.
Training and Selection Process
It is not easy to become a part of the Indian special forces. It involves having a high level of fitness, both physically and mentally. The applicants undergo rigorous training courses that train them on how to fight, survive, and use tactics. Selection is done through hard physical examination, psychological tests, and interviews.
Equipment and Technology
The modern weapons, gear, and technology have been made available to Indian special forces, making them cost-effective. They operate and use hi-tech guns, night-vision equipment, communication tools, and special vehicles.
Special Forces in India are significant for the security of the country. Their expertise, courage, and loyalty are important elements of the defence strategy of India. The Indian special forces are still needed as the country still experiences numerous security challenges.
