The Indian Army has successfully concluded the inaugural edition of Exercise PRAGATI 2026 at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. This multinational exercise brought together military contingents from 12 friendly foreign countries for nearly two weeks of intensive joint training and engagement.
Exercise Overview
Held from May 18 to 31, the exercise saw the participation of more than 400 soldiers from 13 nations, including India. The primary objective was to strengthen military cooperation, improve interoperability, and deepen mutual understanding among the participating nations. The programme focused on counter-insurgency operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain, with troops engaging in specialist military drills, tactical exercises, discussions on emerging technologies, sporting events, cultural programmes, and yoga sessions.
Key Highlights
Brigadier Mayur Shekatkar remarked, "Exercise Pragati is a mega engagement set in the serene environments of Umroi, Meghalaya. Over 400 soldiers from 13 participating countries, including India, are participating in this mega exercise. Over the days, we have conducted various specialist drills and procedures to include rock craft, improvised explosive devices, special heliborne operations, various tactical drills, and snap situations." He emphasized that the exercise also helped participants build stronger personal and professional ties, adding, "All this also provided us the opportunity to build bonds of friendship and camaraderie. In addition to the tactical drills and procedures, soldiers have come closer by indulging themselves in sports and games as well as cultural activities. Apart from that, this demanding routine also enabled them to experience the calmness of yoga."
Exercise Director Colonel Sandeep Poonia explained that the initiative aimed to promote cooperation among partner nations in the Indian Ocean Region. "Pragati, the acronym stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region. With this, we had the aim to create synergy, create interoperability and enhance the mutual trust amongst the friendly foreign nations," he said. Poonia noted that troops from 12 foreign countries trained alongside Indian soldiers over the past two weeks, with a particular emphasis on counter-insurgency operations in difficult terrain. He also highlighted the opportunity for participating armies to exchange ideas and discuss the impact of emerging technologies on modern military operations, including new techniques, tactics, and procedures.
Participant Feedback
Participants from partner countries praised the training environment and hospitality. Philippines Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Mary Simongo stated, "First of all, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Indian Army, the organisers, the facilitators, and the support staff for inviting us here. And in here, we have gained enough knowledge, we have gained a lot of ideas, learnings wherein we can bring it home in our community." She acknowledged the exchange of experiences among delegations, adding, "To the other delegates, we learned a lot from them. The Indian Army imparted a lot for us. And thank you again, Indian Army, for everything, for the very warm hospitality here in India."
The successful conclusion of Exercise PRAGATI 2026 marks a significant step in enhancing regional security cooperation and building lasting partnerships among the armed forces of the Indian Ocean Region.
