Exercise PRAGATI 2026 concludes in Meghalaya, strengthens regional military cooperation
Shillong, May 30. The inaugural edition of Exercise PRAGATI 2026, a multinational military drill aimed at enhancing regional defence cooperation and interoperability in the Indian Ocean Region, concluded at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya with a 72-hour validation exercise involving troops from 13 countries.
The exercise, whose acronym stands for ‘Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region’, brought together more than 400 military personnel from India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia and Laos.
The closing phase was attended by six Vice Chiefs of Army and more than 40 senior military officials from participating nations. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, hosted the visiting dignitaries.
Designed to improve collective readiness against shared security challenges, the exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain. Following an extensive training programme comprising lectures, demonstrations and practical drills, troops participated in a 72-hour validation exercise that tested the operational skills and coordination developed during the training period.
Participants underwent training in a range of specialised military tasks, including rock craft, ambush and counter-ambush operations, slithering, jungle lane shooting, room and bus intervention procedures, improvised explosive device (IED) detection and casualty evacuation. Mixed-nationality teams trained together throughout the exercise, fostering interoperability, capacity building and mutual trust among the participating armed forces.
A notable feature of the exercise was the emphasis on camaraderie and professional bonding among soldiers from different countries. Troops trained and operated together under demanding field conditions, while cultural exchanges and informal interactions further strengthened interpersonal and professional ties.
On the sidelines of the exercise, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), organised a defence equipment exhibition for participating nations. Facilitated by the Army Design Bureau and FICCI, the display featured indigenous defence technologies and advanced military equipment developed by the Indian defence industry, alongside select next-generation systems currently in service with the Indian Army.
The exhibition showcased India’s expanding defence manufacturing capabilities under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) initiative and served as a platform for promoting defence exports, industry partnerships and technological collaboration.
Lt Gen Seth also held bilateral meetings with military representatives from participating countries to explore avenues for expanding defence cooperation and strengthening military-to-military engagement.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the maiden edition of Exercise PRAGATI has significantly enhanced interoperability, collective preparedness and mutual confidence among participating nations, laying the groundwork for future editions of the exercise and reinforcing efforts towards a peaceful, secure and prosperous region.
