Multinational military exercise ‘PRAGATI 2026’ begins in Meghalaya with 12 nations
New Delhi, May 20. The Indian Army on May 20 inaugurated the multilateral military exercise PRAGATI 2026 at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, bringing together contingents from 12 friendly countries for a two-week joint training programme focused on counter-terrorism operations in challenging terrain.
Troops from Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam received a traditional welcome on arrival, reflecting India’s cultural hospitality and setting the tone for the collaborative exercise.
PRAGATI – an acronym for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region – is being conducted in the spirit of equality, friendship and mutual respect. The exercise aims to provide a common platform for participating armies to exchange professional experiences, improve interoperability and build closer military ties.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry of the Indian Army, welcomed the foreign contingents and underscored the need for collective engagement to tackle emerging security challenges. He urged participants to approach the exercise with openness and a willingness to learn from one another, noting that each nation’s operational experience would add value to the shared objectives.
The primary goals of the exercise include improving coordination in joint operations, identifying areas of mutual cooperation, institutionalising the exchange of best practices, and evolving common concepts for intelligence sharing in multinational environments. Joint training and cultural exchanges are also expected to strengthen camaraderie among the troops.
Over the next fortnight, the focus will be on counter-terrorism drills in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain. The schedule includes joint planning sessions, tactical exercises and coordinated field operations aimed at enhancing adaptability, endurance and operational proficiency under demanding conditions. Emphasis will also be placed on physical fitness, discipline and teamwork.
In parallel, Indian defence technology firms will showcase indigenous equipment and innovations in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative, offering participants insights into India’s growing capabilities in defence production and self-reliance.
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 is expected to deepen professional bonds among regional partners and contribute to a shared approach in addressing common security concerns across the Indian Ocean Region.
