GANGTOK– In a dramatic show of endurance and joint strength, the Indian Army’s PARA (Special Forces) and the Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) have completed a rare combat diving exercise in the icy waters of Sikkim at an altitude of 17,000 feet.
The weeklong drill, held from August 30 to September 5, pushed the country’s elite units into one of the harshest environments imaginable. Officials said the exercise tested the limits of human physiology and tactical capability, combining rarefied air with freezing high-altitude waters.
The troops executed advanced maneuvers including open-circuit air dives, closed-circuit pure oxygen dives, submersions down to 17 meters, and night diving in near-freezing conditions. The high-altitude terrain amplified the difficulty, forcing soldiers to adapt to both physical strain and the unpredictability of operating in an extreme combat zone.
“Operating in rarefied air and freezing waters expands combat capability and reinforces operational readiness for future battlefields where unpredictability is the only constant,” a Defence PRO said in a statement.
The Army stressed that such high-altitude diving is essential preparation for modern conflict scenarios where troops may need to transition seamlessly from mountain frontiers to the open sea. Officials said the exercise not only sharpened technical combat skills but also deepened synergy between the PARA (SF) and MARCOS, strengthening India’s joint force doctrine.
The exercise commander called the training a true test of resilience: “Training in these extreme conditions challenges 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.”
Both PARA (SF) and MARCOS rank among India’s most seasoned combat forces, with decades of experience ranging from counterinsurgency in rugged mountains to clandestine maritime operations. Joint drills like the one in Sikkim, officials said, highlight India’s determination to maintain readiness and versatility amid a rapidly evolving security environment. (Source: IANS)
