The inaugural edition of Exercise PRAGATI 2026 has successfully concluded at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya after a rigorous 72-hour validation exercise. This multinational initiative, hosted by the Indian Army, demonstrated the interoperability, mutual trust, and collective resolve of the participating armed forces in addressing shared security challenges in the Indian Ocean region.
Over 400 troops from 13 countries took part in the exercise, which included India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Laos. The closing ceremony was attended by six Vice Chiefs and more than 40 senior military officials from these nations, with Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, hosting the distinguished guests.
The primary focus of the exercise was on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrains, which are reflective of the operational challenges faced throughout the region. Participants were engaged in extensive training featuring lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises. Key training modules included techniques for rock climbing, ambush and counter-ambush drills, slithering operations, jungle lane shooting, room and bus intervention techniques, improvised explosive device (IED) detection, casualty evacuation, and various specialized combat skills.
Mixed teams consisting of personnel from different countries trained alongside each other throughout the duration of the exercise. This collaboration significantly enhanced interoperability, operational coordination, and mutual understanding among the armies represented.
A notable characteristic of Exercise PRAGATI 2026 was the strong sense of camaraderie and professional bonding displayed by soldiers from various nations. Working under demanding conditions allowed participants to build mutual trust and reinforced the common values shared by military professionals on a global scale. The exercise also facilitated opportunities for cultural exchange and informal interactions, further solidifying military-to-military relations as well as fostering people-to-people connections among the participating nations.
In conjunction with the exercise, the Indian Army partnered with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to organize a significant defence equipment exhibition for the visiting delegations. This showcase featured advanced indigenous defence systems and emerging technologies developed under the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The collaboration aimed to highlight India’s burgeoning capabilities in defence design, development, and manufacturing, while also creating opportunities for defence cooperation and industry engagement.
On the sidelines of the exercise, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth conducted a series of bilateral meetings with representatives from the participating countries. These discussions focused on expanding avenues for defence cooperation and strengthening military partnerships, ultimately contributing to a deeper strategic understanding and reaffirming India’s commitment to regional security cooperation and capacity building.
Officials stated that Exercise PRAGATI 2026 represents a significant milestone in enhancing collective readiness and solidifying security partnerships across the Indian Ocean region. The successful execution of this maiden edition has set a robust foundation for future iterations, reflecting the shared commitment of the participating countries to promote peace, stability, security, and prosperity throughout the region.
Furthermore, the exercise underscored India’s growing role as a key facilitator of regional military cooperation and defence diplomacy in both the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
