In a remarkable display of skill and bravery, a team from the Indian Navy’s elite Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) executed a daring rescue operation in March, saving 17 crew members of the ex-MV Ruen and apprehending 35 Somali pirates. This operation, conducted approximately 1,400 nautical miles away from the Indian coast in the Arabian Sea, unfolded over a tense 40 hours and captured the attention of the global community.
Commodore (Retired) Arvind Singh, a 66-year-old former naval officer and one of the pioneers of the Indian elite marine special force programme, expressed immense pride in the successful mission from his home in Lucknow. Singh, a recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, highlighted the extraordinary capabilities of the MARCOS, stating that their action in March showcased India’s elite forces’ expertise on an international stage.
The MARCOS team, equipped with parachutes and weapon gear, was air-dropped from an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft into the open sea. Once on the surface, they swam to combat rubberized raiding craft boats and expertly maneuvered close to the hijacked ship to facilitate the hostages’ safe rescue. This operation was a significant testament to the training and strategic prowess of one of the world’s most highly regarded special forces.
Commodore Singh’s naval career began in 1981 when he graduated first in his class from the Indian Naval Academy, earning the President’s Gold Medal. His journey into the military was shaped by a family background rich in civil service, medicine, and engineering, yet it was the inspirational stories of the Keelor brothers that ignited his passion for the armed forces. A pivotal moment during his teenage years came when he witnessed a victory procession for Indo-Pakistan war heroes in 1965, a sight that left an indelible mark on him and fueled his desire to serve.
Despite initial reservations from his mother, who preferred a less perilous career for her son, Singh ultimately joined the Navy, stating humorously that she believed it was safer than serving on the borders.
Originally from Phoolpur in the Moradabad district, Singh’s familial roots are strong in civil service. His breadth of experience in the Navy is extensive; he served in various esteemed positions, including as executive officer on the missile corvette INS Khanjar and commander of the naval base INS Abhimanyu, which is home to the MARCOS units. His legacy includes a remarkable leadership role in the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka in the late 1980s, where he led teams in critical operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Major General (Retired) Ajay Kumar Chaturvedi, who commanded Singh during the Sri Lankan expedition, recounted the challenges faced by the MARCOS, including navigating heavily mined channels and engaging LTTE snipers targeting their operations. Singh’s successful command in these dangerous circumstances earned him the Maha Vir Chakra for valor, alongside recognition from the Indian Army for the collaborative nature of their mission.
Through the years, Singh witnessed significant evolution in the training and capabilities of the MARCOS. He noted that while the foundational training program mirrored that of the US Navy SEALs, modern MARCOS operatives have access to advanced equipment that ranks them among the world’s best special forces. Their reputation is firmly rooted in their motto, “The Few, The Fearless,” reflecting the dedication and discipline of India’s soldiers.
In light of the recent rescue, Singh’s reflections serve not only as a celebration of past accomplishments but also as an affirmation of the formidable capabilities of India’s elite naval forces on the global stage.
