13 Nations, One Mission: Pragati 2026 Strengthens Regional Military Ties

The maiden edition of Pragati 2026 , a multilateral military exercise involving armies from 13 countries, concluded in Meghalaya's Umroi on Saturday after two weeks of intensive training focused on counter-insurgency operations , interoperability and regional security cooperation.

More than 400 soldiers , including around 20 women personnel, participated in the exercise. Troops from Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and India trained together in a range of specialised military activities designed to enhance operational coordination and mutual understanding among friendly nations in the Indian Ocean region.

The exercise witnessed soldiers carrying out complex drills such as helicopter-borne operations , route clearance and counter-IED detection , rock climbing and rappelling, and tactical manoeuvres in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain. These activities were aimed at preparing troops to operate effectively in challenging counter-insurgency environments.

The closing ceremony was attended by Vice Chief of the Indian Army Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth , along with six vice chiefs and more than 40 senior military officials from participating countries. During the event, Lt Gen Seth held bilateral discussions with foreign military leaders to strengthen defence cooperation and deepen military-to-military ties.

Exercise coordinator Brig Mayur Shekatkar described Pragati as a major multinational training initiative that enabled troops to learn from one another while operating in realistic tactical scenarios. Beyond military drills, participants also took part in sports competitions, cultural programmes and yoga sessions, helping build camaraderie and lasting friendships.

Exercise Director Col Sandeep Poonia explained that Pragati stands for “Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.” He said the primary objective was to create synergy among participating forces, improve interoperability and enhance mutual trust through shared training experiences.

A significant component of the exercise involved discussions on integrating emerging and niche technologies into military operations and assessing their impact on tactics, techniques and procedures. Engineering teams exchanged expertise and conducted simulated combat exercises involving counter-IED operations and other key engineering tasks.

The Indian Army also organised a defence equipment exhibition in collaboration with FICCI and the Army Design Bureau , showcasing indigenous defence technologies and next-generation military systems. The display highlighted India's growing capabilities in defence design, development and manufacturing.

Military representatives from participating countries praised the initiative, saying it provided valuable opportunities to exchange expertise, improve coordination and strengthen partnerships aimed at ensuring a stable, secure and peaceful Indian Ocean region .