PRAGATI 2026: Multinational Military Exercise Launches in Meghalaya with 12 Nations Participating
The multinational military exercise, PRAGATI 2026, has begun at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, featuring participants from 12 allied nations: Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
The Indian Army extended a traditional welcome to the visiting contingents, showcasing India's cultural heritage and the spirit of military fellowship.
PRAGATI, which stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region, is being conducted with a focus on equality, friendship, and mutual respect. The exercise aims to bolster regional military cooperation and enhance interoperability among participating countries.
Senior military officials and dignitaries attended the opening ceremony. Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of a united approach to evolving security challenges and urging the sharing of experiences and best practices.
The exercise seeks to improve coordination during joint operations, strengthen defense relations through professional and cultural exchanges, and establish common protocols for intelligence sharing and multinational operational planning.
Over the next two weeks, the exercise will concentrate on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrains. Participants will engage in joint planning exercises, tactical drills, and coordinated field operations designed to enhance endurance, adaptability, and tactical skills in challenging environments.
As part of PRAGATI 2026, Indian defense technology and manufacturing firms will display indigenous military equipment and innovations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, highlighting India's advancements in defense production and self-sufficiency.
PRAGATI 2026 is anticipated to strengthen military cooperation, deepen professional relationships among the participating nations, and contribute to a coordinated regional response to common security threats in the Indian Ocean Region.
