Warriors of Ice and Depth: India’s Elite Forces Train at 17,000 ft

At an altitude of 17,000 feet in the icy heights of Sikkim, the Indian Army’s PARA (Special Forces) and the Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) have accomplished a rare and daring feat—conducting joint scuba and combat diving drills from 30 August to 05 September 2025.

In freezing waters surrounded by unforgiving terrain, the elite warriors executed open-circuit air dives, closed-circuit pure oxygen dives, combat night operations, and plunges up to 17 metres deep. Each dive tested the extremes of endurance, precision, and adaptability in conditions few militaries in the world dare to attempt.

The high-altitude setting brought with it thin air, piercing cold, and immense physical stress—yet the Special Forces and MARCOS displayed unyielding grit, reinforcing their readiness to fight across the most hostile environments.

This exercise was not just about combat diving—it was about expanding the frontiers of operational capability. From mountain heights to ocean depths, India’s elite units are proving they can dominate any battle space.

Highlighting the spirit of synergy, the Team Commander remarked, “Extreme environments forge extreme warriors. This training ensures our forces are prepared for any challenge, anywhere. It is jointmanship in its truest form—when the Army and Navy’s best train together, there are no limits.”

Such joint exercises sharpen combat skillsets, strengthen inter-service integration, and stand as a powerful testament to India’s resolve: its Special Forces will remain mission-ready, whether in the rarefied Himalayas or the deepest seas.