Meet Lieutenant Colonel Megh Singh: India's First Para Commando Who Created 9 Para (SF)
Lieutenant Colonel Megh Singh stands as a pivotal figure in the annals of the Indian Army Special Forces, often revered as the father of India’s Para Commandos. Born in an era of colonial rule and rising nationalism, he pioneered unconventional warfare tactics that transformed India's military capabilities.
As the first Para Commando of India, Lt. Col. Megh Singh's visionary leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak War led to the creation of an ad-hoc unit that evolved into the elite 9 Para (SF), laying the groundwork for modern special operations. His legacy endures in the ethos of the Indian Army Special Forces, embodying courage, innovation, and unyielding determination. As one famous quote attributed to the Para Regiment captures: "Men apart, every man an emperor," highlighting the exceptional valor of these warriors.
Early Life and Military Career
Lt. Col. Megh Singh was born on March 1, 1924, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, into a Rathore Rajput family, the son of Bhoor Singh. Growing up in the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, he imbibed the warrior traditions of his heritage, which emphasized honor, resilience, and martial prowess. His early life was marked by a disciplined upbringing that prepared him for a career in uniform.
Singh initially joined the Patiala State Forces, a princely state army, before being integrated into the Indian Army post-independence. He was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion of the Guards (1 Rajputana Rifles), where his unorthodox thinking and tactical acumen quickly distinguished him. However, his career faced a setback when he was court-martialed and demoted to the rank of Major just before the 1965 Indo-Pak War, reportedly due to disciplinary issues. Undeterred, this adversity fueled his resolve. Key milestones included his service in infantry roles, where he honed skills in reconnaissance and guerrilla tactics, setting the stage for his groundbreaking contributions to the Indian Army Special Forces.
1965 Indo-Pak War & the Birth of Meghdoot Force
The 1965 Indo-Pak War erupted amid escalating tensions over Kashmir, exposing the need for specialized units capable of deep strikes behind enemy lines. In this crucible, Major Megh Singh volunteered for high-risk operations, proposing an ad-hoc commando team to conduct raids into Pakistani territory.
Granted autonomy by Lt. Gen. Harbaksh Singh, he handpicked 60 volunteers from various units, forming the Meghdoot Force—named after himself—in August 1965. This unit, comprising daring soldiers trained in stealth, sabotage, and airborne insertions, aimed to disrupt enemy supply lines and capture strategic positions.
The Meghdoot Force executed audacious missions, including raids on Pakistani posts in the Haji Pir Pass sector. On September 1, 1965, they infiltrated deep into enemy-held areas, inflicting heavy casualties—over 600 on the Pakistani side against just 12 Indian losses—while securing vital links between Haji Pir and Poonch.
These operations, characterized by night assaults and hit-and-run tactics, turned the tide in the western sector. Singh's leadership earned him the Vir Chakra for gallantry, with his citation praising his "outstanding courage and tactical brilliance." As the war concluded, Lt. Gen. Harbaksh Singh personally restored his rank to Lieutenant Colonel on September 16, 1965, fulfilling a pre-war promise.
Formation of 9 Para (SF)
The success of the Meghdoot Force underscored the necessity for a permanent commando battalion, prompting the Indian Army to formalize such units. On July 1, 1966, Lt. Col. Megh Singh raised the 9th Battalion, Parachute Regiment (Commando)—initially intended for the Brigade of the Guards but integrated into the Parachute Regiment—at Gwalior. This marked the birth of 9 Para (SF), India's first official Para Commando battalion, with the Meghdoot Force veterans forming its core.
Structured around three companies focused on airborne, mountain, and desert warfare, the unit emphasized rigorous training in para-jumping, demolitions, and unconventional tactics. Early missions included counter-insurgency operations against Naga militants in 1967, where they demonstrated their prowess in jungle warfare and intelligence gathering. The 9 Para SF history reflects Singh's emphasis on adaptability, earning the battalion nicknames like "Mountain Rats" for their elusive operations.
Military Achievements & Legacy
Lt. Col. Megh Singh's military achievements extend beyond the 1965 war. His Vir Chakra remains a testament to his battlefield valor, but his true legacy lies in institutionalizing special forces doctrine. Under his command, 9 Para (SF) participated in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, conducting sabotage missions that crippled Pakistani logistics in East Pakistan. Singh's contributions influenced training manuals on guerrilla warfare, emphasizing "unorthodox tactics and raw courage," as described in contemporary accounts.
His lasting impact includes fostering a culture of elite soldiering, where commandos operate with autonomy and precision. Retiring after a distinguished career, Singh passed away in 2010 at age 88, leaving behind a doctrine that prioritizes innovation in asymmetric warfare. A poignant quote from a Para SF veteran encapsulates this spirit: "The thing about fear is, it makes you sharp."
Role in Inspiring Future Para (SF) Units
Lt. Col. Megh Singh's pioneering work catalyzed the expansion of India's Para SF units, transforming a single battalion into a robust special forces ecosystem. The success of 9 Para (SF) led to the formation of 10 Para (SF) in 1967, followed by additional battalions like 1, 4, and 21 Para (SF) in subsequent decades. His model of volunteer-based, multi-domain training influenced modern special operations, including cross-border strikes and counter-terrorism, as seen in operations like Surgical Strike 2016.
Singh's emphasis on "vijay ya veergati" (victory or martyrdom) became a cornerstone of Para SF ethos, inspiring generations of commandos. Today, the Indian Army Special Forces doctrine owes much to his foundational principles, enabling versatile responses to hybrid threats. As one observer noted, "He was the foundation stone of the Indian Special Forces."
Conclusion
Lt. Col. Megh Singh's vision, courage, and enduring impact on the Indian Army resonate through the maroon berets of today's Para Commandos. From the dusty plains of Rajasthan to the treacherous heights of Kashmir, his journey exemplifies the transformative power of bold leadership. In an era of evolving warfare, his legacy reminds us that true warriors forge paths where none exist.
As Captain Vikram Batra, PVC, famously declared during the Kargil War: "Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolor, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure." Singh's spirit continues to inspire the first Para Commando of India tradition, ensuring the Indian Army Special Forces remain a beacon of excellence and valor.
