The Indian Army has launched PRAGATI 2026, a multinational military exercise, at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya. The exercise brings together military contingents from 12 friendly nations, including Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Moreover, the two-week exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain.
Indian Army officials said the programme aims to improve tactical coordination, strengthen defence cooperation, and promote regional security partnerships. Additionally, the event highlights India’s defence diplomacy and growing focus on military collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region.
Read More: Sikkim Joins Brahmaputra Board as Full Member
Key Facts About PRAGATI 2026
- Exercise Name: PRAGATI 2026
- Venue: Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya
- Organised By: Indian Army
- Participating Countries: 12 nations
- Main Focus: Counter-terrorism and jungle warfare training
- Duration: Two weeks
- Senior Officer Present: Major General Sunil Sheoran
- Special Highlight: Indigenous defence equipment showcase under Atmanirbhar Bharat
Indian Army Begins Major Multinational Exercise
The Indian Army welcomed all foreign delegations with traditional cultural ceremonies at the opening event. As a result, the ceremony reflected India’s hospitality and cultural heritage.
PRAGATI stands for “Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.” During the inaugural programme, senior officials encouraged participating soldiers to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding.
Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, urged participants to work together with openness and respect. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of collective efforts to address modern security challenges.
Exercise Focuses on Counter-Terrorism Operations
The participating armies will train together in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain over the next two weeks. These conditions closely resemble operational environments in Northeast India and several participating countries.
Training sessions will include:
- Joint planning exercises
- Tactical combat drills
- Coordinated field operations
- Intelligence-sharing practices
- Physical endurance and discipline training
Moreover, the exercise aims to improve adaptability, operational coordination, and tactical efficiency among participating forces.
India Showcases Indigenous Defence Technology
The Indian Army will also showcase indigenous defence equipment developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Through this exhibition, India plans to highlight its growing defence manufacturing capabilities and military innovation.
In addition, the programme includes cultural exchange activities that encourage friendship and stronger ties among participating nations.
Why Meghalaya Holds Strategic Importance
Meghalaya and the Northeast region play a key role in India’s strategic engagement with Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean Region. Therefore, hosting multinational military exercises in the region strengthens defence diplomacy and regional cooperation.
Besides that, the hilly and forested terrain of Meghalaya offers realistic training conditions for counter-terrorism and jungle warfare operations.
PRAGATI 2026 Expected to Strengthen Regional Security
Military officials believe PRAGATI 2026 will help participating countries share operational expertise and improve intelligence coordination. At the same time, the exercise will help armies develop common strategies for dealing with terrorism and regional security threats.
Experts also say that multinational exercises like PRAGATI improve military preparedness and deepen defence relations among friendly nations.
Question and Answer Section
What is PRAGATI 2026?
PRAGATI 2026 is a multinational military exercise organised by the Indian Army with participation from 12 friendly countries.
Where is PRAGATI 2026 taking place?
The exercise is taking place at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya.
Which countries are participating in the exercise?
Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam are participating.
What is the main objective of PRAGATI 2026?
The exercise aims to improve counter-terrorism coordination, tactical skills, and regional defence cooperation.
How long will the exercise continue?
The military exercise will continue for two weeks.
Why is Meghalaya important for this exercise?
Meghalaya provides ideal jungle and semi-mountain terrain for military training and supports India’s strategic engagement in Northeast India.
Also Read: Manipur CM Assures Full Efforts to Rescue Abducted Villagers – Borok Times