A two-week multinational military exercise involving defence personnel from 13 countries began at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya on Wednesday, with a focus on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain.
The joint exercise, titled ‘PRAGATI 2026’, is being hosted by the Indian Army and brings together troops from 12 friendly nations, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Defence PRO Lieutenant Colonel Mahender Rawat said the exercise would concentrate on enhancing interoperability and coordination among participating armies through tactical drills, joint planning exercises and simulated counter-terror operations under challenging conditions.
“The two-week exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain. The training programme will include joint planning exercises, tactical-level drills and coordinated operations designed to improve adaptability, endurance and tactical proficiency of participating troops,” Rawat said.
He added that emphasis would also be laid on physical fitness, discipline and coordination while operating in difficult terrain.
As part of the exercise, Indian defence and technology companies are also showcasing indigenous military equipment and innovations under the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Officials said the platform would facilitate knowledge exchange and demonstrate India’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing and innovation.
Also read: CISF deployment boosts security for TMC MP as others see cuts
The objectives of the exercise include improving seamless coordination during multinational operations, identifying common areas of cooperation and evolving mechanisms for sharing intelligence and best practices among participating nations.
Military officials said the programme would also strengthen defence ties, foster camaraderie through joint training and cultural interaction, and help participating countries evolve common operational concepts to address emerging regional security challenges.
PRAGATI, which stands for 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 among partner nations.
The Indian Army accorded a traditional welcome to the foreign contingents upon their arrival in Meghalaya. The opening ceremony was attended by senior military officials and dignitaries from participating countries.
Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry in the Indian Army, welcomed the contingents and underlined the importance of collective engagement in tackling contemporary security threats.
He urged participants to engage with openness and mutual respect while learning from one another’s operational experiences and tactical approaches.
The exercise assumes significance amid growing regional cooperation among Indian Ocean nations on counter-terrorism, maritime security and humanitarian response, particularly in the face of evolving transnational security challenges in South and Southeast Asia.
Follow us
