PRAGATI 2026

PRAGATI 2026: Multinational Military Exercise
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 is the maiden edition of a multinational joint military exercise hosted by India at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya.
PRAGATI stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.
The exercise is being conducted in the spirit of equality, friendship, mutual respect and regional cooperation.
The exercise brings together military personnel from countries of the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region to improve interoperability and joint operational capability.
Participating Countries
The exercise includes participation from 12 countries: Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
More than 400 military personnel are participating in the two-week exercise.
India is hosting the exercise through the Indian Army.
Key Objectives of PRAGATI 2026
The exercise aims to improve coordination among participating armies during multinational operations.
It seeks to strengthen defence ties and military-to-military cooperation among friendly nations.
The exercise promotes sharing of operational experiences, tactical knowledge and best practices.
It aims to develop common approaches for intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism operations.
Such exercises improve interoperability during humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and security operations.
Important Features / Developments
The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain.
Troops are conducting ambush and counter-ambush drills, tactical operations and joint planning exercises.
Sniper and AK-203 firing competitions are also part of the training programme.
The exercise emphasises physical endurance, discipline and coordination in difficult terrain conditions.
Indigenous defence technologies and equipment are being showcased under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
 
Strategic Significance
The exercise supports India’s broader vision of regional security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
It reflects India’s growing role as a security partner for neighbouring and Southeast Asian countries.
The exercise complements India’s defence diplomacy and Act East Policy objectives.