Multilateral Military Exercise PRAGATI 2026 Begins at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya
SHILLONG, May 20 — The multinational military exercise PRAGATI 2026 officially commenced today at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, bringing together troops from India and 12 friendly nations. Participating countries include Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. The Indian Army welcomed the arriving international contingents with traditional ceremonies that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the host nation.
Standing for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region, the exercise is designed to provide a collaborative platform for professional exchange, mutual learning, and the strengthening of military-to-military relations under the core principles of equality and mutual respect.
During the opening ceremony, which was attended by various senior military officials and dignitaries, Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry for the Indian Army, welcomed the troops and emphasized the critical role of collective engagement in managing contemporary security issues.
He urged the participants to approach the training with openness and a shared willingness to learn from one another, noting that the diverse perspectives and distinct tactical strengths brought by each nation would significantly contribute to the overall success of the exercise.
The core objectives of the initiative involve establishing seamless coordination during joint operations, identifying new areas of defense cooperation, institutionalizing the exchange of best practices, and developing unified concepts for intelligence sharing within a multinational framework.
The intensive two-week training program will focus heavily on executing counter-terrorism operations within challenging semi-mountainous and jungle terrains. The scheduled curriculum includes comprehensive joint planning exercises, tactical-level drills, and coordinated field operations aimed at boosting the endurance, adaptability, and tactical proficiency of the troops under demanding environmental conditions.
Additionally, the event will feature a dedicated showcase of indigenous equipment and technological innovations from Indian defense companies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, highlighting regional advancements in self-reliant defense production and fostering further knowledge exchange among the partner nations.