- India launched the multinational military exercise PRAGATI 2026 at the Umroi Military Station near Shillong in Meghalaya.
- The two-week exercise has brought together armed forces personnel from 13 countries and reflects India’s growing role in regional defence and security cooperation.
- The exercise is aimed at strengthening military coordination, improving interoperability among participating nations and enhancing joint capabilities in counter-terrorism operations.
Thirteen Countries Participating in the Exercise
Along with India, armed forces personnel from 12 partner countries are participating in PRAGATI 2026.
The participating nations include:
- Bhutan
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Seychelles
- Sri Lanka
- Vietnam
The participation of several Asian and Indian Ocean nations highlights the importance of regional military cooperation and collective security.
Focus on Counter-Terrorism Operations
- PRAGATI 2026 mainly focuses on, Joint counter-terrorism operations, Combat training in jungle warfare, Operations in semi-mountainous terrain
- The exercise is being conducted in terrain conditions similar to those found in India’s North-East region, where dense forests and hilly landscapes pose unique operational challenges.
- Military personnel are undergoing specialized training to improve coordination during, Search-and-destroy operations, Area domination exercises, Intelligence-based missions, Joint tactical manoeuvres
- The exercise aims to prepare participating forces for modern security threats and complex operational environments.
Enhancing Interoperability Among Armed Forces
- One of the major objectives of PRAGATI 2026 is to improve interoperability among participating militaries.
- The exercise provides an opportunity for armed forces from different countries to, Share operational experiences, Exchange best practices, Develop coordinated response mechanisms, Strengthen professional military cooperation
- By training together, the participating countries aim to build stronger defence partnerships and improve their ability to conduct joint operations during regional security challenges.
Promoting Regional Security Cooperation
- The exercise also reflects a broader regional approach towards tackling terrorism and security threats collectively.
- With increasing concerns related to Cross-border terrorism, Insurgency, Maritime security and Transnational threats.
- Countries in the region are focusing more on coordinated defence cooperation and joint preparedness.
- PRAGATI 2026 serves as an important platform for strengthening trust, communication and strategic collaboration among participating nations.
Showcase of Indigenous Defence Technologies
- An important feature of the exercise is the exhibition of indigenous military equipment and innovations developed by Indian defence manufacturers and technology firms.
- The exhibition highlights India’s progress in, Defence manufacturing, Military technology, Indigenous weapons systems and Tactical equipment development.
- The initiative is linked to the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) Mission which promotes domestic production and reduced dependence on foreign defence imports.
Boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence Sector
- Through the exhibition, India aims to showcase its growing capabilities in the defence sector and encourage international cooperation in defence production.
- The event provides foreign military delegations an opportunity to observe, Indian-made defence systems, Advanced military technologies and Indigenous innovations for modern warfare.
- This supports India’s broader objective of becoming a major defence manufacturing and export hub.
Conclusion
PRAGATI 2026 represents an important step in strengthening regional military cooperation, counter-terrorism preparedness and strategic partnerships among participating nations. The exercise not only enhances operational coordination among armed forces but also highlights India’s growing role in regional security and indigenous defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.