The inaugural edition of Multilateral Exercise PRAGATI 2026 concluded successfully at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya on Friday, marking a significant step towards enhancing military cooperation and interoperability among regional partner nations.
The exercise culminated in a comprehensive 72-hour validation exercise that demonstrated improved operational coordination, mutual trust and collective readiness among participating armed forces.
More than 400 military personnel from 13 countries — India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam — took part in the exercise under the framework of the Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region (PRAGATI).
The closing ceremony was attended by six Vice Chiefs and over 40 senior military officials from participating nations. Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth hosted the visiting dignitaries and held bilateral interactions aimed at enhancing defence cooperation and strengthening military-to-military ties.
Held in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain, the exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations and included a range of training activities such as lectures, demonstrations and practical drills. Troops trained in integrated multinational teams and participated in exercises including rock craft, ambush and counter-ambush operations, slithering, jungle lane shooting, room and bus intervention drills, improvised explosive device (IED) detection and casualty evacuation procedures.
A key feature of the exercise was the strong camaraderie and professional bonding developed among soldiers from different nations as they trained and operated together in challenging conditions.
As part of the event, the Indian Army, in collaboration with FICCI and the Army Design Bureau, organised a defence equipment exhibition showcasing indigenous defence technologies and next-generation military systems. The display highlighted India’s growing capabilities in defence design, development and manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative while promoting opportunities for defence industry collaboration and exports.
According to officials, Exercise PRAGATI 2026 has significantly enhanced interoperability among participating forces, strengthened collective preparedness and deepened regional partnerships. The successful conclusion of the maiden exercise has laid the groundwork for future editions and reaffirmed the shared commitment of participating nations towards peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
(With inputs from PRO Defence, Guwahati)
