New Delhi, May 20: A significant multinational military exercise, ‘Pragati 2026’, has commenced in India. Organized by the Indian Army, this exercise began on Wednesday at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya. Over the next two weeks, military contingents from 12 friendly nations, including Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, will participate.
This two-week exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations in semi-hilly and forested areas. The training program will include joint planning, tactical drills, and coordinated operations. These activities aim to enhance the adaptability, endurance, and tactical efficiency of soldiers from various countries. Special emphasis will be placed on physical fitness, discipline, and mutual coordination during operations under challenging conditions.
‘Pragati’, themed ‘Resolute, Relentless, and United’, is the first exercise of its kind. Its goal is to strengthen military cooperation, coordination, and mutual understanding among participating nations. The Indian Army welcomed all foreign military teams in a traditional and cultural manner. ‘Pragati’, which stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region, is being conducted with a spirit of equality, friendship, and mutual respect.
This exercise will provide a platform for different armies to share professional experiences, understand each other’s operational methodologies, and enhance military collaboration. Senior officials from the Indian Army and representatives from various countries attended the inauguration on Wednesday. Major General Sunil Shyoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, welcomed all military contingents. He emphasized the necessity of collective participation and cooperation to tackle current global security challenges.
He urged participants to engage in the exercise with openness, mutual respect, and a spirit of learning. He noted that each country’s experiences and perspectives would significantly contribute to the collective objectives of the exercise. The primary aim is to establish better coordination in joint operations among participating nations and identify areas for collaborative efforts. Additionally, best practices and experiences developed by various armies will be exchanged.
Strengthening defense relations and developing shared concepts for intelligence sharing are also crucial aspects of this exercise. During the exercise, Indian technology and defense companies will showcase indigenous defense equipment and innovations under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. This will not only promote knowledge exchange but also demonstrate India’s growing capabilities in defense production, innovation, and self-reliance on a global stage.
The Indian Army believes that ‘Pragati 2026’ will reinforce military cooperation among regional partner countries, deepen professional relationships, and play a vital role in developing a collective approach to shared security challenges.
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