NEW DELHI: The multilateral military exercise PRAGATI 2026, involving personnel from 12 allied countries, commenced on Wednesday at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya. The participating countries include Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Each contingent received a traditional welcome from the Indian Army.
PRAGATI, which stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region, aims to provide a collaborative platform for the participating nations to engage in professional exchanges, share experiences, and strengthen military-to-military relations.
Over the course of two weeks, the exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle environments. The training agenda includes joint planning exercises, tactical drills, and coordinated operations to enhance the adaptability, endurance, and tactical proficiency of the troops involved.
During the inauguration ceremony, Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry for the Indian Army, welcomed the contingents and underscored the importance of collective engagement in addressing contemporary security challenges. He emphasized the value that each nation’s unique strengths and perspectives would bring to achieving the collective objectives of the exercise.
Additionally, the exercise will feature showcases of indigenous equipment and innovations by Indian technology and defense companies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting knowledge exchange and highlighting India’s advancing capabilities in defense production and self-reliance.
