SHILLONG, MAY 20: Multilateral military exercise PRAGATI 2026 began Wednesday at Umroi Military Station with troops from 12 countries joining the Indian Army for a two-week joint training focused on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain.
Participating nations include Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
The contingents were accorded a warm and traditional welcome by the Indian Army on their arrival, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality.
PRAGATI, 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”.
The exercise provides a platform for “professional exchange, learn from one another’s experiences and build closer military-to-military ties.”
The opening ceremony was attended by senior military officials and dignitaries.
In his address, Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, Indian Army, “welcomed all contingents and highlighted the importance of collective engagement in addressing contemporary security challenges.”
He encouraged participants to “engage with openness, mutual respect and a willingness to learn from one another’s experiences,” adding that “the strengths and perspectives brought by each nation would contribute meaningfully towards achieving the collective objectives of the exercise.”
The Defence Ministry said objectives include enabling seamless coordination in joint operations, sharing expertise and establishing an institutionalised mechanism for exchange of best practices, strengthening defence ties through joint training and cultural exchange, and evolving common concepts for intelligence sharing in a multinational environment.
The training programme will feature joint planning exercises, tactical-level drills and coordinated operations designed to improve adaptability, endurance and tactical proficiency of participating troops. Emphasis will be laid on “physical fitness, discipline and coordination while operating in challenging conditions.”
As part of the exercise, Indian technology and defence companies will showcase indigenous equipment and innovations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The platform aims to “provide for knowledge exchange and highlight India’s growing capabilities in defence production, innovation and self-reliance.
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 is expected to further strengthen military-to-military cooperation, deepen professional bonds and contribute towards a shared approach to common security challenges among regional partners.
