Shillong, May 20: The Indian Army has formally launched the multilateral military exercise PRAGATI 2026 at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, bringing together contingents from 12 friendly nations including Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The visiting delegations were received with a traditional welcome, underscoring India’s cultural heritage and hospitality.

The exercise, an acronym 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. Senior officials and dignitaries attended the opening ceremony, where Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, urged participants to embrace openness and mutual respect while highlighting the importance of collective engagement in addressing contemporary security challenges.

Over the next two weeks, the exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain. Training modules will include joint planning, tactical drills and coordinated operations aimed at enhancing adaptability, endurance and tactical proficiency. Emphasis will be placed on discipline, physical fitness and coordination in demanding conditions. The programme also features cultural exchanges and showcases of indigenous defence equipment under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Emphasizing India’s growing capabilities in innovation and self-reliance.

By fostering professional exchanges, sharing expertise and evolving common concepts for intelligence management, PRAGATI 2026 is expected to strengthen defence ties, deepen camaraderie and contribute to a shared approach to regional security challenges.