The elite PARA (Special Forces) of the Indian Army and the Marine Commandos (MARCOS) of the Navy exhibited remarkable synergy during their joint scuba and combat diving training from August 30 to September 5, 2025, high up in the majestic heights of Sikkim, soaring at 17,000 feet. This training challenged our brave soldiers with icy waters and rugged terrains, truly testing their courage, skills, and cohesion.
Training Objectives and Highlights
Across the lofty mountains of Sikkim, where the air thins and the waters are chilling, PARA (SF) and MARCOS performed diverse types of diving at depths reaching 17 meters...
Source: aajtak
Open Circuit Air Diving: Diving with conventional oxygen tanks.
Closed Circuit Pure Oxygen Diving: Stealth diving without bubbles using specialized equipment.
Combat Night Diving: Preparing for combat in the dead of night.
Cold Water Diving: Practicing missions in freezing waters.
The training demanded resilience as the altitude and cold rigorously tested the soldiers' physical and mental fortitude. Yet, both forces showcased stellar performance, displaying their unparalleled professional prowess.
The Importance of This Training
With the ever-evolving nature of warfare today, no one knows where challenges might arise in the future. Training in high-altitude mountains and icy waters prepares soldiers for all contingencies. This exercise not only hones diving skills, but it also strengthens the camaraderie and unity between the army and navy, solidifying India's special forces' readiness for missions.
PARA (SF) represents the army's pinnacle in high-altitude warfare and counter-terrorism missions, while MARCOS, the navy’s elite, operates seamlessly on sea, air, and land. Their joint training underlines the readiness of India’s forces to tackle any terrain.
Source: aajtak
Valor and Cohesion of Soldiers
The team commander emphasized that training under such challenging conditions is a comprehensive test of soldiers' bravery, skills, and mental tenacity. This ensures our troops can operate effectively in any demanding environment, demonstrating unity and relentless preparedness. MARCOS, often dubbed as the phantoms of the sea, along with PARA (SF), showcased their capacity to execute missions from the peaks of the Himalayas to the depths of the ocean.
Redefining India's Military Might
This joint training reinforces India's military strategy. In regions like Sikkim, where tension prevails along the India-China border (LAC), such training is indispensable. It not only equips soldiers with new techniques and strategies but also promotes collaboration between the army and navy. This keeps India's special forces units ready for the world's most perilous missions.
