Braving sub-zero temperatures and harsh winds at 14,000 feet, soldiers of the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps have successfully completed an intensive martial arts module under the Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR) programme in the upper reaches of Sikkim. Conducted in rarefied air and rugged, snow-covered terrain, the training aims to strengthen close-combat readiness along India’s northern borders.
The Trishakti Corps, based in Sukna near Siliguri, introduced this high-altitude AMAR module to improve reflexes, mental resilience and combat instincts in some of the most challenging operational zones. According to army sources, AMAR combines traditional Indian martial arts with modern global close-quarters combat techniques, creating a powerful hybrid self-defence system tailored for soldiers deployed in extreme environments.
The programme includes unarmed combat drills, weapon-based manoeuvres, stress-response control and advanced physical conditioning. These exercises help troops stay agile, focused and battle-ready even when conventional weapons may not be immediately accessible.
Sources said the terrain and climate significantly increase the difficulty level. The thin air affects breathing, while icy slopes demand exceptional balance and stamina. Despite these hurdles, soldiers showed remarkable endurance during the training sessions.
“Such training enhances balance, situational awareness, controlled aggression and quick decision-making — all essential during close-quarter engagements in mountainous regions,” an official said. “AMAR ensures every soldier becomes a ‘weapon in himself’, capable of responding instantly in high-pressure situations.”
Another officer added that high-altitude training sharpens a soldier’s ability to remain calm and effective under extreme stress. “At 14,000 feet, the mountains test both body and mind. This training gives troops the confidence that they can neutralise threats even without a weapon,” he noted.
The Army plans to expand AMAR modules across additional forward areas to further strengthen combat readiness in hostile terrain.
