Gangtok: The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army has launched an intensive high-altitude unarmed combat training programme, known as Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), at elevations above 14,000 feet, aiming to sharpen soldiers’ close-combat skills in some of the most challenging operational environments along India’s northern borders.
According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, the training is being held in sub-zero temperatures, areas with thin, rarefied air, and rugged mountainous terrain—conditions where physical endurance, mental alertness, and quick reaction capabilities are critical.
A Modern Combat System for Extreme Conditions
AMAR is described as a modern, adaptive combat system that integrates:
- Traditional Indian martial arts
- Globally recognised close-combat disciplines
- Scientific physical and mental conditioning techniques
This fusion prepares soldiers to neutralize threats effectively even when conventional weapons are not immediately accessible—a scenario common in high-altitude or close-quarter confrontations.
Key Focus of the AMAR Training Regime
The programme includes a wide spectrum of high-intensity drills designed specifically for mountain warfare:
- Bare-hand combat engagements
- Stress-response and adrenaline management
- Enhanced physical conditioning for low-oxygen environments
- Mental resilience and decision-making under pressure
The statement emphasized that the training significantly develops:
- Faster reflexes
- Superior balance and stamina
- Heightened situational awareness
- Controlled aggression
These qualities are essential for close-quarters battle scenarios, especially in mountainous and high-altitude conflict zones, where mobility is restricted and engagements can be sudden and unpredictable.
The Indian Army continues to refine and modernise its soldier-level combat preparedness as part of its broader strategy to maintain operational superiority along the sensitive and strategically critical northern borders.