Elite Forces of India and Pakistan

Both India and Pakistan inherited a core of professional, highly trained armed forces after independence in 1947. Territorial disputes between the two countries combined with the proximity of both China and the Soviet Union ensured the continuing independent growth of their armed strength and the development of specialist airborne and commando units. This volume details the arms, equipment, organization and uniforms of these elite troops of the sub-continent.
Influenced by the German use of paratroopers early in World War Two, General Sir Robert Cassels, the Commander-in-Chief India, ordered the formation of an airborne cadre in October 1940. Thus marked the origins of India's fist elite units. Pakistan can trace the origins of its own army airborne to the common parentage of British-raised forces. Following the partition from India in August 1947, it raised its own Special Service Group, with individually specialised companies including desert, mountain, ranger and underwater warfare units. This remarkable volume by Kenneth Conboy details the history, organisation, uniforms and insignia of the elite forces of India and Pakistan. Also covered are the elite forces of Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.