Special forces of India

[1] Small groups from the military SF units are deputed in the Armed Forces Special Operations Division, a unified command and control structure.

In 1988, 6 Para spearheaded the only foreign intervention operation conducted by Indian Armed Forces to restore democracy in Maldives by the order of prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

[5] In the late 1980s, the Para (SF) were deployed in Sri Lanka where they conducted helicopter-borne assaults and security operations.

In 1999, Para (SF) undertook operations against Pakistan's military during the Kargil war which included raids against Pakistani infantry and special forces.

[6] Some of the later reported missions carried out by Para (SF) include the counter-insurgency operation purportedly undertaken inside Myanmar in 2015, and the 2016 Surgical Strikes.

[7][8][9] The unit 21 Para (SF) is reported to have killed many terrorists of Meitei and Kuki groups along the India Myanmar boundary in 2022-23 while also avenging killing of a CO of Assam Rifles and his family and eliminating the masterminds of ambush on Army column in 2015 earning many awards, accolades and praise for the leadership.

The list of PARA (SF) Battalions is as follows:[10] First conceived in 1985, the Marine Commando Force, also called MARCOS, was raised in February 1987.

[13][14] Months after their creation, MARCOS were deployed in Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in July 1987.

[12][15] MARCOS had participated in efforts against the 2008 Mumbai attacks alongside the National Security Guards but their effectiveness was diluted due to bureaucratic indecision.

Their tasks include counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, providing security to IAF's assets, and various air force-specific special operations.