Indian Army and Navy Conduct Joint High-Altitude Combat Diving Exercise in Sikkim
In an uncommon demonstration of cross-service collaboration, the Indian Army Para (Special Forces) and the Indian Navy's Marine Commandos (MARCOS) successfully executed a high-altitude combat diving exercise in the Sikkim region. This joint operation took place from August 30 to September 5, 2025.
The exercise, occurring at an altitude of 17,000 feet, was designed to test the endurance and adaptability of India's elite soldiers within one of the world's most challenging operational landscapes.
Facing extreme conditions such as sub-zero temperatures, low oxygen levels, and near-freezing glacial waters, the commandos undertook a variety of combat diving operations. These included open circuit air diving for standard underwater tasks, closed circuit pure oxygen diving to allow undetectable stealth insertions, and night combat dives that simulated infiltration missions under restricted visibility.
The divers ventured to depths of up to 17 meters in icy waters, pushing their physical endurance and psychological resilience to the limit.
Defence officials emphasized that the harsh terrain not only tested physical stamina and underwater skills but also strengthened tactical precision and interoperability. The exercise integrated MARCOS's specialized diving skills with the mountain warfare tactics of Para (SF), establishing a new standard in joint special operations training.
This week-long training session comes amid evolving security threats in various domains, ranging from potential cross-border incidents in the Himalayas to maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean. By merging their capabilities, Para (SF) and MARCOS showed their capacity to operate effectively across a variety of terrains, including glaciers, jungles, deserts, and the deep sea.
A team commander highlighted that the drills enhanced endurance, developed mental resilience, and reinforced confidence in handling missions such as covert reconnaissance, sabotage, high-risk rescue, and rapid-response operations.
"This exercise captures the essence of combat preparedness, demonstrating that our elite soldiers are capable of performing effectively in any environment, regardless of its severity," he stated.
Defence experts point out that high-altitude combat diving training is rare globally, and India's efforts underscore its increased focus on multi-terrain readiness. The exercise is expected to become a template for future joint training initiatives centered on adaptability, interoperability, and resource-sharing.
The combat diving drill in Sikkim reinforces India's dedication to enhancing its special operations capabilities, ensuring its elite forces remain prepared for the full spectrum of modern conflicts.
