Indian Army Concludes First Multinational Exercise PRAGATI in Meghalaya

Shillong: The Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya recently served as the base for Exercise PRAGATI 2026, a two-week multinational military operation hosted by the Indian Army. The event brought together more than 400 soldiers from 13 nations to enhance interoperability and strengthen regional security bonds.

Participating troops represented India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. The maiden edition of the exercise concluded on May 31 with a 72-hour validation mission focused on counter-terrorism tactics within challenging jungle and semi-mountainous environments.

Beyond high-stakes combat training, the program included specialised sessions on improvised explosive device handling, heliborne operations, and map-based planning. Military leaders also focused on how emerging technologies can be integrated into modern warfare. The initiative was overseen by top officials, including six Vice Chiefs and over 40 senior military leaders from the participating countries.

Brig. Mayur Shekatkar, the event's chief coordinator, noted that the training served as a mega engagement platform. Soldiers participated in cultural exchanges and wellness activities, such as yoga, to foster camaraderie alongside their operational drills. Exercise Director Brig. Sandeep Punia emphasized that the primary goal was to build lasting mutual trust and synergy among friendly nations, ensuring they remain prepared for future security operations or humanitarian crises.