Indian Army PARA (SF) and Navy MARCOS undertake extreme high-altitude combat diving training in Sikkim

In a remarkable demonstration of skill, courage, and endurance, the Indian Army’s Para (Special Forces) and the Indian Navy’s elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) recently conducted a high-altitude joint combat diving exercise in Sikkim. The training, held between August 30 and September 5 at an altitude of 17,000 feet, tested the limits of human endurance and showcased the preparedness of India’s elite forces for operations in the most challenging environments.

The exercise included a range of complex activities such as open circuit air diving, closed circuit pure oxygen diving, dives up to 17 meters in extreme cold water, and combat night diving. Soldiers and commandos faced treacherous terrain, freezing waters, and thin air conditions, making every dive and maneuver a true test of skill and mental resilience.

A team commander leading the exercise explained, “Training in these extreme conditions tests every aspect of a soldier’s endurance, skill, and mental strength. It ensures that when called upon, our teams can operate effectively in any environment, no matter how harsh or demanding.” He added that such exercises reflect the spirit of jointmanship between the Services and the dedication of India’s elite forces to remain mission-ready.

High-altitude combat diving is critical to prepare forces for future battlefields where unpredictability is the only constant. The rarefied air, freezing waters, and rugged terrain of Sikkim provided a unique platform for soldiers to integrate combat diving into joint operations. Beyond physical training, the exercise strengthened coordination between the Army and Navy, improved specialized combat skills, and reinforced the versatility and resilience of India’s Special Forces.