Multinational Exercise PRAGATI 2026 concludes in Meghalaya's Umroi
Umroi, May 30
The maiden edition of Multilateral Exercise PRAGATI 2026 concluded successfully at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, with a comprehensive 72-hour validation exercise that showcased enhanced interoperability, mutual trust and collective readiness among participating armed forces.
The exercise brought together over 400 military personnel from 13 nations -- India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam --under the banner of Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region (PRAGATI).
The closing ceremony was attended by six Vice Chiefs and more than 40 senior military officials from participating nations.
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, hosted the visiting dignitaries and engaged in bilateral interactions aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and military-to-military relations.
Conducted in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain, the exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations and featured intensive training through lectures, demonstrations and practical exercises.
Participants trained together in mixed teams, undertaking activities such as rock craft, ambush and counter-ambush drills, slithering, jungle lane shooting, room and bus intervention, IED detection and casualty evacuation.
A major highlight of the exercise was the camaraderie and soldierly bonding displayed by participants, who trained and operated together under challenging conditions, fostering mutual understanding, trust and professional cooperation.
As part of the exercise, the Indian Army, in collaboration with FICCI and the Army Design Bureau, organised a defence equipment display showcasing indigenous defence technologies and next-generation military equipment.
As part of the exercise, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), organised a defence equipment display for the participating partner nations. The Army Design Bureau of the Indian Army and FICCI facilitated the exhibition of cutting-edge indigenous defence equipment and niche technologies developed by the Indian defence industry, while the Indian Army showcased select new-generation equipment currently in service, the release said.
The initiative highlighted India's growing indigenous defence design, development, and manufacturing capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and provided a valuable platform for promoting defence exports through industry engagement, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
The exhibition highlighted India's growing capabilities in defence design, development and manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative while promoting defence industry collaboration and exports.
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 has significantly enhanced interoperability, strengthened collective preparedness and deepened partnerships among participating nations.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural edition has laid a strong foundation for future iterations of the exercise and reaffirmed the shared commitment of regional partners towards peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
PRAGATI, which stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region, brought together more than 400 troops from India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia and Laos. The exercise was conducted in the spirit of equality, friendship and mutual respect, providing a common platform for regional partners to exchange experiences, share best practices and strengthen military-to-military cooperation, the Ministry of Defence release read.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The defence equipment display by FICCI and Army Design Bureau is a smart move. Atmanirbhar Bharat in action - not just for our own forces but for exports too. Would love to know which indigenous equipment was showcased. Make in India for the world! 🔥
72-hour validation exercise in jungle terrain with counter-terrorism focus - that's exactly what our region needs. Kudos to all 400+ soldiers who trained together. This is how you build trust and interoperability! 👏
As an Australian, I appreciate seeing India take leadership in regional security. The Indo-Pacific needs this kind of cooperation. Impressive that 6 Vice Chiefs attended - shows the seriousness of all nations involved. Well done!
Good to see Myanmar participating despite their internal situation. Diplomacy through military exercises is smart. But I hope India is also pushing for human rights discussions in the region. Security can't be just about guns.
Love the name PRAGATI - progress indeed. India showcasing indigenous defence tech at Umroi, Meghalaya - perfect blend of national security and economic growth. Northeast India is becoming a strategic hub. 🚀
Only 13 nations though
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