Indian Defence and Strategic Weapons

Lt Commander Abhilash Tomy of the Indian Navy became the first Indian to complete a solo, unassisted, non-stop circumnavigation of the world in 2013. He used INSV Mhadei to complete his circumnavigation of the World.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the premier central police force of the Union of India for internal security. Originally constituted as the Crown Representative Police in 1939, it is one of the oldest Central paramilitary forces. Due to its unique capability to quickly adapt to various situational requirements, and also, to work in perfect harmony with the State Police, CRPF has, over the years, acquired the distinction of being perhaps the most acceptable Force, by the people and the State administrations.

Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) Battalions have been raised in the border States to serve as an auxiliary to Border Security Force for preventing infiltration on the international border/coastal areas, guarding of lines of communication invulnerable areas at the time of external aggression. They are also deployed as an auxiliary force in maintaining Law and Order with Police.

The National Cadet Corps [NCC] teaches certain qualities such as community life and leadership. Those who get this training are given preference in recruitment to the army. They get a reservation for admission to higher courses too. The youths in schools and colleges can join the NCC. Its main aim is to infuse the responsibility of national security.

The Border Security Force (BSF) is a Border Guarding Force of India. Established on December 1, 1965, it is a paramilitary force charged with guarding India's land border during peace time and preventing transnational crime. It is a Union Government Agency under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs.It is one of many law enforcement agency of India.It currently stands as the world's largest border guarding force.

The Border roads organization opens the closed entries to the army to enable armed operations instantly. It also coordinates the important works like construction of roads, bridges and drainage lines. Its main aim is to support the armed forces meet their strategic needs by committed, dedicated and cost-effective development and sustenance of the infrastructure.

BSF acts as the representative of the Indian government in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. As a member of the UN, India regularly sends its troops abroad to UN-sponsored peacekeeping missions. BSF battalions are regularly deployed as part of the Indian contingent. BSF has been involved in UN missions in Namibia, Cambodia, Mozambique, Angola, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Haiti.

The National Security Guards has been given the specific role to handle all facets of terrorism in any part of the country as a Federal Contingency Force. The primary reason for its conception was to combat terrorist activities with a view to protecting states against internal disturbances. The NSG Commandos are the best in India and rank amongst the top 5 in the world of elite special forces.

Assam Rifles is known as Sentinels of the Northeast. Assam Rifles is Indias oldest paramilitary force, raised originally in 1835 as Cachar Levy. They perform many roles including the provision of internal security under the control of the army through the conduct of counter insurgency and border security operations especially in the northeastern part of India.

The duties and functions of Coast Guard include, safety and protection of islands and offshore structures; protection and preservation of maritime environment and endangered species; prevention and control of pollution in the maritime zones; assistance to the Customs in anti-smuggling operations; assistance to fishermen in distress at sea; safeguarding life and property at sea; preventing poaching in Indian waters; assisting in ocean research-related activities; enforcing maritime law; and carrying out other duties as and when assigned by the Government of India without duplication of efforts.

In 1962, the Kennedy administration worked with India for the creation of a Special Frontier Forces (SFF) unit in the Indian military. The Intelligence agencies from India and the US also helped in raising the Special Frontier Force (SFF) namely the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA, the US external intelligence agency) & the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW, India's external intelligence agency). The SFFs initial weapons were provided by the US and consisted mainly of machine guns.

The motto of Indian Coast Guard is Vayam Rakshama (We Protect). Within its motto, it has defined its mission statements - offshore security, marine environmental security, coastal security, marine safety, scientific assistance and national defence towards these objectives. Thus, India can look forward to clean and secure waters around it with the Coast Guard as its custodian.

A total of 16 navies from the Indian Ocean Region are participating in 'MILAN 2014', the biennial international naval exercise conducted by the Indian Navy in Andaman and Nicobar Islands between February 5 and 9. 

One of the primary duties of the Indian Coast Guard is to assist the Customs and other authorities in Anti-Smuggling operations. The Coast Guard assists the Customs in curbing the supply of contraband i.e goods that are illegally imported or exported through sea routes. It also coordinates closely with other central and state law enforcement/intelligence agencies to disrupt and deter the menace of smuggling.