PRAGATI 2026: A Platform for Regional Military Cooperation
NEW DELHI: The multilateral military exercise PRAGATI 2026, involving personnel from 12 friendly countries, commenced on Wednesday at Meghalaya’s Umroi Military Station. The contingents from Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam were given a traditional welcome by the Indian Army.
PRAGATI, which stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region, serves as a common platform for participating armies to engage in professional exchange, learn from each other's experiences, and build closer military-to-military ties. The two-week exercise will focus on counter-terror operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain. The training programme includes joint planning exercises, tactical-level drills, and coordinated operations designed to improve adaptability, endurance, and tactical proficiency of participating troops.
Key Objectives and Highlights
During a ceremony, Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry of the Indian Army, welcomed all contingents and highlighted the importance of collective engagement in addressing contemporary security challenges. He emphasized that the strengths and perspectives brought by each nation would contribute meaningfully towards achieving the collective objectives of the exercise.
As part of the exercise, Indian technology and defence companies will showcase indigenous equipment and innovations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This provides a platform for knowledge exchange and highlights India's growing capabilities in defence production, innovation, and self-reliance. The exercise aims to foster interoperability and mutual understanding among the participating nations, enhancing regional security and cooperation.
The participating troops will undergo rigorous training that includes simulated counter-terror scenarios, jungle survival techniques, and joint tactical manoeuvres. The exercise also includes cultural exchanges and sports activities to promote camaraderie and mutual respect among the soldiers. PRAGATI 2026 is expected to significantly strengthen the bonds between the Indian Army and its partner nations, contributing to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
