In the Indian context, the term, ‘Special Operations Forces’ (SOF) refers to all those forces that are especially selected, organised, trained and equipped for tasks that have an impact at the strategic level and are beyond the remit of conventional forces. India’s uncoordinated response to the January 2016 terrorist attacks on the 1 Pathankot Air Force base has again trained the spotlight on the issues of tasking, synergy and ‘jointness’ in the operational capabilities of the country’s SOF. This paper examines the steps that the Indian government needs to take to develop the infrastructure and capabilities of the SOF. It suggests that the government dovetail its SOF doctrine and strategy with its national security strategy and the concomitant exercise of comprehensive national power (CNP). Addressing the deficiencies and needs of India’s SOF will ensure that the country is well prepared to meet its foreign policy objectives along its expanding areas of interest.

• Defence and Security
• Indian Defence
• India

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