The Indian Army has officially commenced its inaugural multilateral military exercise, PRAGATI 2026, at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya. Standing for the Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region, this landmark exercise brings together military contingents from twelve friendly nations, including Bhutan, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
The visiting international delegations were received with a traditional welcome, highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality. Spanning over the next two weeks, the multinational exercise is being conducted in a spirit of equality, friendship, and mutual respect. During the opening ceremony, Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, emphasized the critical importance of collective engagement in addressing contemporary security challenges, urging participants to embrace openness and mutual learning.
The primary operational focus of PRAGATI 2026 centers on executing counter-terrorism operations within demanding semi-mountainous and dense jungle terrains. Over the fortnight, troops will undergo rigorous training modules encompassing joint strategic planning, tactical drills, and coordinated field maneuvers designed to enhance endurance, adaptability, and interoperability.
Beyond tactical warfare, the comprehensive program integrates professional intelligence management and cultural exchanges. Furthermore, a key highlight of the event is a dedicated exposition of indigenous defense hardware under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This showcase underscores India’s expanding capabilities in domestic defense innovation and self-reliance. By fostering seamless professional exchanges and building mutual trust, Exercise PRAGATI 2026 aims to solidify regional defense ties, deepen military camaraderie, and pave the way for a unified approach to shared security threats in the Indian Ocean Region.