Navy's MARCOS: India’s strategic commandos in the Indo-Pacific

As the world's focus shifts toward the Indo-Pacific, India’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) have become a pivotal force safeguarding Delhi's maritime interests and increasing its strategic influence in the very volatile region. Indo-Pacific is home to critical sea lanes, but also fast emerging as a region of escalating geopolitical tensions, piracy and Houthi attacks.

2024 was the year when the Indian Navy's MARCOS came to the forefront amid increased volatility in the western Indian Ocean, especially near Yemen, the Gulf of Aden. The elite force played a key role in rescuing the crew of hijacked vessel MV Lila Norfolk, securing MV Genco Picardy following a drone attack by Houthis, rescuing Iranian hostages on board fishing vessel FV Iman from Somalian pirates, similar operation to rescue Pakistani crew from fishing vessel AL Naeemi & operation to rescue Lorenzo Putha from Somali pirates during January of this year. A similar operation was carried out in March of this year to rescue crew from pirates from MV Ruen.

The 37-year-old force, raised in 1987, has a history dating back to 1987 Operation Pawan to deal with outlawed LTTE in Sri Lanka, Operation Cactus in 1998 that prevented the coup to topple then Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to other anti-piracy operations. In the country, the force has had a major role, including the role during the 26/11 terror attacks. In fact, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks became a defining moment, bringing MARCOS into the national spotlight. The precision in neutralising terrorists during the operation showcased their ability in urban counter-terrorism scenarios, something for which they were lauded.

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The role has been from anti-piracy missions to counter-terror operations and hostage rescue to amphibious warfare and Island defence. In regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, MARCOS provides a critical deterrent against hostile powers eyeing strategic chokepoints. Their ability to conduct amphibious landings and secure maritime territories highlights India’s readiness to defend its interests in contested spaces like the South China Sea. They have also participated in joint exercises such as Exercise Sangam with the U.S. Navy SEALs and multilateral drills like RIMPAC.

MARCOS was modelled after the United States Navy SEALs and the United Kingdom’s Special Boat Service (SBS). The force has evolved from a focus on amphibious warfare and counterterrorism to tackle a wide range of threats, including piracy, insurgency, and grey-zone operations, that increasingly define the Indo-Pacific. MARCOS operators undergo rigorous training that is designed to push physical & psychological limits. The journey begins with a seven-day aptitude test, where only 15–20% of candidates succeed. This is followed by a gruelling two-week screening at the Naval Special Warfare Training and Tactical Centre (NSWTTC) in Goa. Ultimately, just 10–15 candidates remain to complete the full training cycle.

Training includes a diverse range of skills, including underwater demolitions, combat diving, sniping, and combat free-fall. They also specialise in amphibious operations, high-altitude warfare, and security of offshore assets. The preparation ensures MARCOS operators are among the most versatile special forces in the world, from deep-sea insertions to urban counterterrorism. A unique and key moment in their training is the oath-taking ceremony, where commandos pledge to serve their nation with a symbolic cut on their thumb using their commando dagger.

MARCOS force is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of India’s naval diplomacy. The deployments demonstrate India’s capacity to project power and contribute to regional stability, aligning operations with foreign policy objectives. MARCOS will remain integral to India’s ambitions of building a blue-water navy capable of projecting power across oceans. In a region where maritime dominance is synonymous with geopolitical influence, their ability to operate “far and deep” ensures India’s prominence in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific.

Human Cost of Excellence: Life as a MARCOS Operator

The life of a MARCOS operator is marked by physical and mental challenges and even after deployment to counter-insurgency areas or high-altitude operations like Pangong Tso, they continue rigorous training to maintain peak readiness. Bodily injuries and psychological strain are constant companions, yet their resilience and sense of purpose drive them forward. These sacrifices often go unseen but are central to MARCOS’s operational excellence. The MARCOS motto, “The Few, The Fearless,” is not just a tagline—it encapsulates their ethos and commitment to protecting India’s maritime interests and legacy.