Major sandeep Unnikrishnan was born on 15 march 1977, he was born in malayali family residing in bangalore. He was inspired by the armed forces in his early childhood, he applied for indian navy after 12th, after not being selected due to some reason , Sandeep applied for Army. Sandeep joined National Defence Academy (NDA) In 1995.
Maj. Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s journey through the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun as part of the 104th regular course laid the foundation for his career in the Indian Army. Graduating on 12 June 1999, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment (Infantry).
His early experiences in the army showcased his exceptional courage and leadership abilities. During Operation Vijay in July 1999, amidst heavy artillery and small arms fire from Pakistani troops, he stood resolute at the forward posts, earning praise for his bravery and commitment to duty.
Major Sandeep served in different locations like jammu-kashmir, Gujrat, Hyderabad, Rajasthan. Major Sandeep Joined National Security guard (NSG), He was assigned as a training officer for 51 Special Action Group (51-SAG).
Operation Black Tornado
The heroic actions of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan during the 2008 Mumbai attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel exemplify unparalleled bravery and selflessness in the face of extreme danger. As the team commander of the 51 Special Action Group (51 SAG), Major Unnikrishnan led his team into the heart of the crisis to rescue hostages held by terrorists.
Throughout the operation, Major Unnikrishnan displayed extraordinary leadership and courage. Despite facing gunfire and explosives, he fearlessly led his team to evacuate hostages and engage with the terrorists. When his fellow commando, Sunil Kumar Yadav, was injured, Major Unnikrishnan ensured his evacuation to safety, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his team members.
Even in the face of grave danger, Major Unnikrishnan continued to lead from the front. When terrorists ambushed the NSG team as they ascended the central staircase of the hotel, Major Unnikrishnan remained resolute, organizing the evacuation of the injured commando, Sunil Kumar Jodha, and engaging the terrorists in a fierce firefight.
In a moment of ultimate sacrifice, Major Unnikrishnan chose to confront the terrorists alone, cornering them in the Ballroom of the hotel. Despite knowing the risks, he courageously faced the enemy, ultimately giving his life to protect others. His final words, “Don’t come up, I will handle them,” epitomize his selfless dedication to the mission and his comrades.
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s valiant actions during the Mumbai attacks will forever be remembered as a shining example of heroism and sacrifice, inspiring generations to come. His bravery serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit and dedication of India’s armed forces in the face of adversity.
More On National Security Guard (NSG)
The NSG was established in 1984, It is a counter–terrorism unit of India, which is under ministry of Home affairs,The selection process for the National Security Guard (NSG) is highly demanding, with a dropout rate of approximately 70-80%. The training program spans 14 months and consists of three phases.
The National Security Guard (NSG) actively engages in joint training exercises with various international counterparts, enhancing their capabilities and fostering collaboration in counterterrorism efforts.
One of the prominent partners in these exercises is the United States Army’s Green Berets, with whom the NSG conducts regular training exercises. An annual counterterrorism training exercise called TARKASH serves as a platform for joint operations and skill-building between the NSG and the Green Berets.
The collaboration with the United States extends beyond TARKASH. For instance, a notable exercise code-named Balanced Iroquois commenced in October 2015, focusing on enhancing operational readiness and interoperability between the NSG and the US Army Special Forces. Subsequent exercises in Kolkata and Hyderabad further strengthened the partnership, with each side benefiting from the exchange of urban warfare strategies and advanced equipment.
Germany’s GSG 9, renowned for its expertise in counterterrorism, also shares a collaborative relationship with the NSG. In response to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the NSG initiated joint exercises with GSG 9, culminating in training sessions held at the NSG headquarters in Manesar. These exercises aim to leverage the respective strengths of both forces and bolster their ability to respond effectively to terrorist threats.