Exercise PRAGATI 2026 commenced on Wednesday at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, India, featuring participation from 12 friendly nations including Bhutan, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This multilateral military exercise, which stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region, aims to foster military cooperation and mutual respect among the participating nations. Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, highlighted the significance of collective engagement in addressing modern security challenges during the opening ceremony.

The two-week exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations in challenging terrains, incorporating joint planning exercises and tactical drills to enhance the adaptability and proficiency of troops. Additionally, Indian defence companies will showcase indigenous innovations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, emphasizing India’s growing capabilities in defence production. Overall, Exercise PRAGATI 2026 is expected to deepen military ties and contribute to a cooperative approach to regional security challenges.