The Indian Army is set to host Exercise PRAGATI, a two-week multinational military exercise, scheduled from May 18 to 31, designed to bolster strategic cooperation and operational synergy among regional partners in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. The event will take place at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, underscoring India’s commitment to deepening defense engagement under its Act East Policy.
A total of 12 friendly nations will participate in the exercise, including immediate neighbours Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka; Southeast Asian countries Indonesia,Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam; and Indian Ocean partners Maldives and Seychelles.
The exercise aims to strengthen counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism capabilities, while promoting interoperability through the standardization of tactical procedures, communications, and joint operational strategies for addressing regional threats.
In addition to military preparedness, Exercise PRAGATI will emphasize Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) coordination, highlighting the participating countries’ commitment to regional stability and resilience.
The Indian Army said that the exercise reflects its broader vision of fostering collaboration, trust, and shared security objectives across the Indian Ocean Region and Southeast Asia, reinforcing India’s role as a responsible security partner in the region.The exercise reinforces defence cooperation, enhances interoperability and strengthens mutual trust.
PRAGATI (Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region) symbolises a shared commitment to collective security, regional stability and collaborative growth.

