The National Security Guards (NSG) is India's prime counter-terrorist force. The NSG's roles include protecting VIPs, conducting anti-sabotage checks, rescuing hostages, neutralizing terrorist threats to vital installations, engaging terrorists and responding to hijacking and piracy.

The NSG has a strength of 7,500 personnel, and consists of the Special Action Group (SAG) and the Special Rangers Group (SRG). The SAG is the offensive wing and draws its members from the Indian Army, whilst the SRG, which draws its members from central police organizations, supports the SAG in isolating target areas.

The NSG was established under the National Security Guard Act of 1986, in response to the 1984 Operation Bluestar, the storming of the Golden Temple by the Indian military, which caused widespread damage to the temple and heavy casualties, including civilians. The operation highlighted the need for a special force to conduct counter-terrorist operations with greater efficiency.

The NSG has been deployed only rarely since its birth.

External links

http://www.fas.org/irp/world/india/mod/nsg.htm