India is set to deploy its first all-female elite Swat team, trained in explosives, urban warfare and deadly martial arts, to protect the country's prime minister.

The new counter-terrorism unit is made up of 36 commandos, who have completed 15 months of exhaustive training by experts from around the world in weapons, counter-terrorist measures and Krav Maga - the deadly martial art pioneered by Israeli special forces.

They are expected to play a major role in the security detail for the prime minister's address on Independence Day, after being inducted by Delhi Police.

Presiding over the induction ceremony, India’s Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, said he was happy to see Delhi Police promoting women to its ranks of elite squads and said they would help guard Narendra Modi when he makes his speech from the Red Fort on Wednesday. Amulya Patnaik, the Delhi Police Commissioner, said the women had been rated better than their male counterparts by trainers.

“These women are second to none when it comes to handling terror strikes and hostage crises in urban areas," he said.