New Delhi: The Indian Army on Wednesday launched the multinational military exercise PRAGATI 2026 at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, bringing together armed forces from 12 countries for a two-week joint training programme focused on counter-terrorism operations and regional security cooperation.
The exercise, officially titled Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region (PRAGATI), has drawn participation from Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
Participating contingents received a traditional welcome from the Indian Army upon their arrival, reflecting India’s emphasis on cultural diplomacy alongside defence engagement, according to an official statement.
The exercise is aimed at strengthening military-to-military cooperation among regional partners while improving interoperability during multinational operations. Officials said the programme has been designed around equality, friendship, and mutual respect, with participating armies expected to exchange operational experiences and develop closer professional ties.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior military officials and dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, highlighted the importance of collective engagement in tackling evolving security challenges and encouraged participating contingents to learn from one another’s operational experiences and perspectives.
According to the Indian Army, the exercise will focus heavily on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain. Troops will undergo joint planning exercises, tactical drills, and coordinated field operations aimed at enhancing endurance, adaptability, and tactical efficiency in difficult combat environments.
The exercise will also seek to establish common mechanisms for intelligence sharing, identify new areas of defence cooperation, and institutionalise the exchange of operational best practices among participating nations.
