12 Nations Unite in Meghalaya: Multilateral Military Exercise PRAGATI 2026 Kicks Off at Umroi

The multilateral military exercise PRAGATI 2026 commenced on Wednesday at the Umroi Military Station, bringing together armed forces from 12 friendly nations in a significant show of regional cooperation and defence collaboration.The exercise, hosted by the Indian Army, has drawn participation from Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. All contingents received a warm and traditional welcome, reflecting India’s cultural ethos and hospitality.PRAGATI Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region is being conducted in the spirit of equality, friendship, and mutual respect. It aims to foster deeper military-to-military

ties while providing a platform for professional exchange and shared learning among participating nations.The opening ceremony was attended by senior military officials, where Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, emphasised the importance of collective engagement to tackle evolving security challenges. He urged participants to collaborate with openness and mutual respect, noting that each nation’s unique strengths would contribute to the exercise’s shared goals.The two-week-long exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain conditions similar to those found in parts of the Meghalaya region. Activities will include joint planning drills, tactical exercises, and coordinated field operations aimed at enhancing adaptability, endurance, and operational efficiency.Key objectives include improving coordination in joint operations, sharing expertise, strengthening defence ties, and developing common strategies for intelligence sharing in a multinational framework.In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Indian defence and technology firms will also showcase indigenous equipment and innovations, highlighting the country’s growing self-reliance in defence production.Exercise PRAGATI 2026 is expected to significantly strengthen regional security cooperation, build lasting professional relationships, and promote a unified approach to emerging global and regional security challenges.