What is Indian Marine Commando (MARCOS) in India?

The MARCOS performs a critical role in ensuring India's strategic interests, protecting the country's maritime borders, and undertaking dangerous operations. They are an essential part of India's defence forces in preserving tranquillity and safety in coastal and offshore areas as well.

Learn more in detail about their history, functions, key operations, and the types of weapons they use.

MARCOS, or Marine Commandos, is the Indian Navy's special forces organisation. The MARCOS, originally known as the Indian Maritime Special Force, was founded in 1987 and can operate across air, sea, and land.

They specialise in counter-terrorism, amphibious warfare, rescue missions, unconventional warfare, etc.

With the assistance of the British Special Boat Service, authorities opened a diving school in Cochin in 1955. They started teaching combat divers things like salvage diving and explosive disposal. However, amidst the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, the divers engaged in combat did not achieve the desired results due to a lack of sabotage training.

This necessitated the formation of an elite task force with the right capabilities, thus paving the way for establishing the Indian Marine Special Force in 1987. In 1991, it was renamed as the MARCOS.

Here are some key points highlighting the importance of MARCOS:

Strategic Importance

MARCOS serve a critical role in preserving national interests and securing essential sea routes of communication, given India's large coastline and significant maritime interests. Their capabilities help to increase deterrence, protect important infrastructure, and ensure marine territory sovereignty.

Maritime Warfare

MARCOS forces contribute greatly to maritime warfare capabilities due to their competence in underwater activities such as combat diving and underwater demolitions. They are highly trained in underwater reconnaissance, sabotage, and anti-piracy operations.

Rapid Response

MARCOS have been trained to respond quickly to new threats and crises, allowing them to be deployed on short notice. Their capacity to operate in hazardous conditions and quickly adapt to changing circumstances makes them a vital asset to national security.

Specialised Training

MARCOS undergo a tough training programme that includes specialised courses in close-quarter combat, sniper operations, intelligence collection, and advanced weapon systems.

International Cooperation

MARCOS routinely participates in joint exercises and collaboration with special forces units from other nations, increasing interoperability and sharing best practices. This partnership expands their knowledge and develops their relationships with partner countries.

This force has played a key role in various operations, including: 

• Operation Pawan (1987): During this operation, the MARCOS or the Indian Marine Special Force as they were known back then, held grounds on the Trincomalee and Jaffna harbours of Sri Lanka. They were successful in maintaining and safekeeping peace.
• Operation Cactus (1988): As part of the Indian Navy contingent, MARCOS took up the tremendous task of defending President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s democracy. They also provided military help to foil the attempts of Sri Lankan militants.
• Operation Tasha (1991): MARCOS successfully restricted the movement of LTTE militants between India and Sri Lanka, alongside stopping the smuggling of arms.
• Kargil War (1999): The MARCOS conducted a series of covert operations behind enemy lines during the Kargil War.
• Mumbai Attacks (2008): On the night of the 26/11 terrorist attacks on Mumbai, The MARCOS entered the Taj, one of the places held hostage by the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. They took care of rescuing the hostages and neutralising the attackers.

The INSAS rifle, AK-47 assault rifle, Koch MP5 submachine pistol and Heckler are used by the MARCOS. The team also employs specialised diving equipment, such as underwater scooters and rebreathers, enabling them to function underwater for extended periods.

Regarding ensuring India's marine security, the Indian Marine Commandos (MARCOS) are the gold standard of bravery, flexibility, and professionalism. MARCOS are the unseen protectors of our nation's essential interests at sea, thanks to their expert training, covert operations, and unyielding loyalty.