In a rare display of inter-service synergy, the Indian Army Para (Special Forces) and the Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) have successfully carried out a high-altitude combat diving exercise in Sikkim, between August 30 and September 5, 2025.
The training, conducted at a staggering altitude of 17,000 feet, tested the endurance and adaptability of India’s most elite soldiers in one of the harshest operational environments in the world.
Extreme Conditions, Advanced Drills
Operating in sub-zero temperatures, thin oxygen levels, and near-freezing glacial waters, the commandos executed a range of combat diving operations. These included:
- Open circuit air diving for conventional underwater tasks.
- Closed circuit pure oxygen diving, enabling stealth insertions without leaving a trace of bubbles.
- Night combat dives, simulating real infiltration missions in restricted visibility.
Divers went as deep as 17 metres in icy waters, pushing human endurance and psychological resilience to the limits.
Strengthening Jointmanship
According to defence officials, the unforgiving terrain not only tested stamina and underwater proficiency but also reinforced tactical precision and interoperability. The exercise blended the specialised diving expertise of MARCOS with the unconventional mountain warfare skills of Para (SF), setting a new benchmark in joint special operations training.
Preparing for Multi-Domain Challenges
The week-long exercise comes at a time when India faces evolving security threats across multiple domains—from potential cross-border contingencies in the Himalayas to maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean. By combining their strengths, Para (SF) and MARCOS demonstrated their ability to operate seamlessly across terrains as diverse as glaciers, jungles, deserts, and deep seas.
Combat Readiness at the Core
A team commander noted that the drills sharpened endurance, cultivated mental toughness, and reaffirmed confidence in tackling missions ranging from covert reconnaissance and sabotage to high-risk rescue and rapid-response operations.
“This exercise embodies the essence of combat preparedness. It proves that our elite soldiers can operate effectively in any environment, no matter how harsh or demanding,” he said.
A Step Toward Future Training
Defence experts highlight that such high-altitude combat diving training is rare worldwide, and India’s initiative signals its growing emphasis on multi-terrain readiness. The exercise is also expected to serve as a model for future joint training modules focused on adaptability, interoperability, and resource-sharing.
The Sikkim combat diving drill reaffirms India’s commitment to enhancing its special operations capability and ensuring that its elite forces remain mission-ready across the full spectrum of modern conflict.
