Indian Navy Marine Commandos (MARCOS)
The Indian Navy Marine Commandos, also known as MARCOS or the Marine Commando Force, are the special forces of the Indian Navy, established in February 1987. They are trained to operate in various environments including sea, air, and land, specializing in maritime operations. Recently, in January 2024, they successfully retook the hijacked Liberian-flagged MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea, rescuing all 21 crew members. MARCOS are based in several Indian locations and primarily conduct operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Their responsibilities encompass a range of activities including amphibious operations, surveillance, clandestine operations, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism. The force consists of about 2,000 personnel as of 2012, with exact numbers kept classified. MARCOS undergo rigorous training including combat diving, counter-terrorism, and are skilled in various weapons and specialized tactics.
