In the high-stakes realm of military defense and counterterrorism, special forces represent the most elite units in any army. Both India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors with a history of conflict, have invested heavily in building powerful and agile special operations units. While India’s Para Special Forces (Para SF) and National Security Guard (NSG) are well-known, Pakistan boasts its own formidable unit — the Special Services Group (SSG).
This article offers a detailed comparison of Indian and Pakistani special forces — exploring their formation, training, operations, equipment, and global reputation. This side-by-side analysis will help readers understand the capabilities and limitations of each.
1. Overview of Indian and Pakistani Special Forces
India’s Special Forces
India operates multiple special forces under different commands. The most notable include:
- Para (Special Forces) – Army’s elite strike unit
- MARCOS – Naval special forces (Marine Commandos)
- Garud Commando Force – Air Force’s special operations unit
- NSG (Black Cats) – Counter-terrorism and hostage rescue
For this comparison, we focus primarily on Para SF, the most versatile and battle-hardened unit of India.
Pakistan’s Special Forces
- SSG (Special Services Group) – Pakistan Army’s primary special forces unit
- SSGN – Navy’s equivalent (Special Service Group Navy)
- SSGW – Air Force unit (Special Service Group Air)
Like India, Pakistan’s SSG is the most visible and frequently deployed special unit, making it the core subject of this comparison.
2. Formation and History
Para SF (India)
- Formed in 1966 after the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
- Originated from the Parachute Regiment, hence the name.
- Has participated in nearly all major operations — from the 1971 war to the 2016 surgical strikes across the LoC.
SSG (Pakistan)
- Established in 1956, modeled after US Special Forces.
- Initially trained by American instructors.
- Played a significant role in the Kargil War, anti-terror operations, and missions in Afghanistan.
3. Recruitment and Selection Process
Para SF (India)
- Recruits primarily from the Indian Army (especially Parachute Regiment).
- Selection includes:
- A brutal 90-day probation period.
- Physical tests (long marches, unarmed combat).
- Psychological screening.
- Very low pass rate — less than 10%.
SSG (Pakistan)
- Recruits from the Pakistan Army.
- Selection includes:
- 36-week training program at Cherat (SSG HQ).
- Includes snow warfare, airborne, anti-terror, and desert warfare.
- Drop-out rate is also extremely high.
Comparison:
Both forces undergo extreme physical and mental challenges, but India’s selection is widely considered longer and tougher due to the additional hurdles of joint training with multiple agencies (e.g., NSG, MARCOS).
4. Training Regime and Skills
Para SF
- Training includes:
- Jungle warfare (Mizoram)
- High-altitude warfare (Himachal, Ladakh)
- Urban combat (NSG hubs)
- HALO/HAHO jumps
- Counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism
- Trained with foreign forces: US Navy SEALs, Israeli Sayeret Matkal, Russian Spetsnaz.
SSG
- Training includes:
- Mountain warfare, desert survival
- HALO/HAHO jumps
- Martial arts and hand-to-hand combat
- Anti-terror and commando raids
- Collaborates with Chinese, Turkish, and US special forces (until recent years).
5. Notable Operations
Indian Para SF
- Operation Bluestar (1984) – Golden Temple counter-insurgency.
- 1999 Kargil War – High-altitude recapture missions.
- Operation Ginger (2011) – Cross-border strikes post-Lok Sabha attack.
- Surgical Strikes (2016) – Destroyed terror launch pads across LoC.
- Balakot airstrike (2019) – MARCOS, Garud, and Para SF involved in coordination.
Pakistani SSG
- 1971 War – Behind enemy lines in Bangladesh.
- Siachen Operations – Attempted capture of posts (mostly unsuccessful).
- Lal Masjid Siege (2007) – Anti-extremist operation in Islamabad.
- PNS Mehran attack response (2011) – Naval base attack.
6. Weapons and Gear
Para SF Equipment
- Rifles: Tavor X95, AK-103, SIG Sauer 716
- Pistols: Glock 17, Beretta 92FS
- Sniper: IMI Galil, Dragunov SVD
- Other Gear:
- Advanced communication systems
- Israeli night-vision
- Body armor, ballistic helmets
SSG Equipment
- Rifles: HK G3, Type 56, M4 Carbine
- Pistols: TT-33, Glock 19
- Sniper: Dragunov, Barrett M82
- Other Gear:
- Chinese communication devices
- Indigenous tactical gear
- Limited access to Western tech due to sanctions
7. Tactical Approach and Doctrine
Para SF
- Follows a multi-domain, intelligence-backed model.
- Specializes in surgical strikes, high-risk urban missions, and anti-insurgency.
- Operates alongside NSG, MARCOS, and other Indian forces for synergy.
SSG
- Focuses on quick infiltration, guerilla tactics, and unconventional warfare.
- Has experience in operating in Afghanistan, Balochistan, and Kashmir.
- Strong focus on mountain warfare and hostage rescue.
8. Global Reputation and Media Coverage
Para SF
- Gained worldwide recognition post-surgical strikes in 2016.
- Frequently trains with NATO and Western units.
- Increasingly modernized under India’s Make in India defence push.
SSG
- Feared for its anti-insurgency operations.
- Well-regarded in Middle Eastern military circles.
- Image dented by failures during Kargil and internal insurgencies.
9. Limitations and Challenges
Para SF Challenges
- Budget constraints and delayed procurement.
- Long approval loops for covert operations.
- Political concerns often restrict cross-border action.
SSG Challenges
- Increasing isolation from Western training programs.
- Over-reliance on Chinese technology.
- Internal security issues (Balochistan, TTP) affecting effectiveness.
10. Who is Superior?
The question of whether Indian Para SF is better than Pakistani SSG doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. However, based on various military analyses, India’s Para SF:
- Has more combat exposure, especially in counter-terrorism and cross-border raids.
- Enjoys a technological edge due to diversified foreign partnerships.
- Benefits from working closely with other elite forces like MARCOS and NSG.
On the other hand, SSG has strengths in terrain adaptation, stealth, and has been battle-tested in tribal areas and mountains. However, it suffers from resource limitations, and recent political instability has affected its efficiency.
Conclusion
Both India and Pakistan have developed elite special forces tailored to their security needs. While Para SF reflects India’s growing global defense partnerships and increasing technological leverage, Pakistan’s SSG retains its legacy of discipline, stealth, and rapid response.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of any special force is not just in firepower, but in intelligence, training, adaptability, and morale. Both countries have showcased these qualities in different measures, and their special forces remain key players in the volatile landscape of South Asian security.