Coast Guard & Special Forces
Defence GK · तटरक्षक और विशेष बल
📋Quick Overview
India has a diverse array of special operations forces across all three services and paramilitary forces. The Indian Coast Guard protects maritime interests in the 7,517 km coastline. NSG (National Security Guard) handles counter-terrorism and is India's primary hostage rescue force. Each service has its own elite unit: MARCOS (Navy), Para SF (Army), and Garud (Air Force).
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Indian Coast Guard motto: 'Vayam Rakshamah' (Sanskrit — We Protect). Established February 1, 1977. Comes under Ministry of Defence (unlike most paramilitary which is under MHA).
📖Indian Coast Guard — Full Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | February 1, 1977 — by Coast Guard Act, 1978 |
| HQ | New Delhi; led by Director General (DG) |
| Motto | Vayam Rakshamah (We Protect) |
| Under | Ministry of Defence (unlike other CAPFs which are under MHA) |
| 4 Regions | North-West (Mumbai), North-East (Noida/Kolkata), East (Chennai), Andaman & Nicobar (Port Blair) |
| Key Roles | Maritime patrol, search & rescue, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, pollution control, protection of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) |
📖Special Forces — All Services
| Force | Service | Est. | Specialisation |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSG (National Security Guard) | MHA | 1984 | Counter-terrorism, anti-hijacking, IED neutralisation; 'Black Cats'; HQ: Manesar |
| MARCOS (Marine Commandos) | Indian Navy | 1987 | Underwater + amphibious ops; maritime counter-terrorism; India's first SOF unit |
| Para (Special Forces) | Indian Army | 1965 | Airborne + special operations; red beret + maroon beret; Surgical Strike 2016 |
| Garud Commando Force | Indian Air Force | 2004 | Airbase defence, CSAR (Combat Search and Rescue), direct action |
| COBRA (CoBRA) | CRPF | 2009 | Counter-insurgency Naxal ops in forested areas; 10 battalions |
| SPG (Special Protection Group) | Cabinet Secretariat | 1988 | PM + former PM protection; Z+ level; permanent force after Rajiv Gandhi assassination |
| Paratroopers Training School | Army | Agra | India's only paratrooper training school; trains all SF jumpers |
📝NSG Operations — Notable Actions
- •Operation Black Thunder I (1986) and II (1988): NSG freed Golden Temple (Amritsar) from Khalistani militants
- •26/11 Mumbai Attacks (2008): NSG's Operation Cyclone — neutralised Taj, Trident, Nariman House attackers
- •Hyderabad Mecca Masjid blast (2007) + Jaipur blasts (2008): NSG forensics and bomb disposal teams deployed
- •NSG was established after 1984 Operation Blue Star to handle internal terrorist threats
- •MARCOS was formed in 1987 and trained by US Navy SEALs and SAS; operational in 26/11 attacks