Correspondent
UMROI, MAY 20 (NPN): A two-week multilateral military exercise, ‘PRAGATI’ 2026, involving defence personnel from 12 countries began at the joint training node Umroi Military Station here in Meghalaya on Wednesday, with a focus counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain among partner nations
The exercise has brought together armies from India and 12 partner nations — Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Exercise PRAGATI 2026, which stands 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.
Defence spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat said the exercise provides a common platform for participating armies to engage in professional exchanges, learn from one another’s experiences, and strengthen military-to-military ties
“The objectives of the exercise include enabling seamless coordination in joint operations among participating nations and identifying common areas of cooperation,” he said.
It also focuses on sharing expertise and institutionalising mechanisms for exchanging best practices drawn from individual experiences.
Moreover, he said the exercise aims to strengthen defence ties and camaraderie through joint training and cultural exchange, as well as to develop common approaches for intelligence management and sharing in a multinational environment.
The training programme will include joint planning exercises, tactical drills, and coordinated operations designed to enhance the adaptability, endurance, and tactical proficiency of participating troops.
Emphasis will be placed on physical fitness, discipline, and coordination in challenging operational conditions.
As part of the exercise, Indian defence and technology companies will showcase indigenous equipment and innovations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and highlighting India’s growing capabilities in defence production and self-reliance.
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 is expected to further strengthen military-to-military cooperation, deepen professional bonds, and contribute to a shared approach to regional security challenges among partner nations.
Welcoming all contingents, Additional Director General of Infantry, Indian Army, Major General Sunil Sheoran highlighted the importance of collective engagement in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Sheoran urged participants to engage with openness, mutual respect, and a willingness to learn from one another, noting that the diverse strengths and perspectives of participating nations would contribute meaningfully to achieving the objectives of the exercise.