The global defense landscape is witnessing a significant step forward in regional military cooperation as the maiden edition of Exercise PRAGATI 2026 officially gets underway.
PRAGATI, which stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region, has gathered more than 400 military personnel from 13 different countries to participate in an intensive two-week training program.
A 13-Nation Coalition for Regional Security
The scale of Exercise PRAGATI 2026 highlights India's expanding role as a major security provider and diplomatic anchor within the Indian Ocean Region and its neighborhood.
South Asia & Neighborhood: Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
ASEAN Bloc: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Indian Ocean Island Nations: Seychelles.
At the opening ceremony, Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry for the Indian Army, underscored the importance of this collective engagement.
Jungle Warfare and High-Intensity Counter-Terrorism Drills
The primarily tactical objective of the two-week drill centers entirely on counter-terrorism operations executed within complex, semi-mountainous, and dense jungle terrain—conditions perfectly simulated by Meghalaya's rugged geography.
To maximize interoperability and break down institutional barriers, soldiers have been organized into integrated mixed teams comprised of personnel from all participating nations.
Tactical Maneuvers: Troops are executing rigorous rock craft, ambush, and counter-ambush drills to improve survival instincts and rapid-response capabilities.
Precision and Mobility: Advanced training components include slithering operations from aircraft, jungle lane shooting, and high-stakes bus intervention procedures designed to simulate urban hostage rescue crises.
Combat Competitions: Friendly yet fierce sniper firing and AK-203 rifle shooting competitions are being held to boost technical familiarity and cross-border tactical coordination.
Beyond combat-heavy drills, the schedule integrates sports like basketball, volleyball, and tug-of-war, alongside specialized yoga sessions aimed at cultivating physical discipline, mental well-being, and trust among the troops.
Showcasing India's Atmanirbhar Bharat Capabilities
An important structural element of Exercise PRAGATI 2026 is its focus on indigenous technology.
By showcasing indigenous weapons systems, surveillance gear, and tactical innovations directly to international contingents, the exercise provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange.