The maiden edition of Multilateral Exercise PRAGATI 2026, held at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, has successfully concluded with a 72-hour validation exercise, marking the culmination of nearly two weeks of intensive joint training from May 18 to May 30. The concluding phase highlighted enhanced interoperability, mutual trust, and the collective resolve of participating armed forces to address shared security challenges.
The event witnessed the presence of six Vice Chiefs and over 40 senior military officials from 13 friendly foreign nations, including India. Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, hosted the dignitaries representing all participating countries.
PRAGATI an acronym for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region brought together over 400 troops from India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Laos. Conducted in a spirit of equality, friendship, and mutual respect, the exercise provided a common platform for regional partners to exchange experiences, share best practices, and strengthen military cooperation.
The exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain. After extensive training through lectures, demonstrations, and practical drills, troops participated in a final 72-hour validation exercise that showcased operational synergy and coordination.
Training modules included rock craft, ambush and counter-ambush drills, slithering, jungle lane shooting, room and bus intervention, IED detection, and casualty evacuation, among other specialised skills. Mixed teams comprising personnel from different nations trained together, significantly enhancing interoperability and capacity building.
A key highlight was the strong camaraderie and bonding among troops, fostered through challenging training conditions as well as cultural exchanges and informal interactions.
As part of the exercise, the Indian Army, in collaboration with FICCI, organised a defence equipment exhibition for partner nations. The Army Design Bureau and FICCI showcased cutting-edge indigenous defence technologies, underscoring India’s growing capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and promoting defence exports through collaboration and knowledge exchange.
On the sidelines, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff held bilateral meetings with representatives from participating countries to further strengthen defence ties.
With its successful conclusion, Exercise PRAGATI 2026 has significantly contributed to enhancing interoperability, strengthening collective readiness, and fostering mutual trust among participating nations. The maiden edition has laid a strong foundation for future iterations, reinforcing the shared commitment towards a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region.