Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Shillong: Military forces from thirteen nations concluded the inaugural Pragati 2026 exercise in Umroi, Meghalaya, on Saturday. The two-week training program focused on counter-insurgency tactics and strengthening cooperation among partners within the Indian Ocean region.
More than 400 soldiers, including approximately 20 women, participated in specialized drills. Training sessions covered helicopter slithering, counter-IED detection, and rock craft maneuvers set within the region's challenging jungle and semi-mountainous terrain.
Brigadier Mayur Shekatkar, the program's chief coordinator, noted that the exercise successfully integrated complex tactical scenarios with heliborne operations. Colonel Sandeep Poonia, the director of the exercise, explained that the name Pragati represents a Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation. He stated the mission aimed to improve interoperability and trust between friendly nations.
The program also included technical discussions regarding how modern equipment influences field tactics. Major Susmita S. Variar highlighted the benefits of sharing counter-IED best practices while working in mixed units with foreign counterparts. Beyond combat drills, participants engaged in cultural exchanges, sports, and yoga to build interpersonal relationships. Officers from countries including Bhutan, Seychelles, and the Philippines praised the Indian Army for the collaborative opportunity to share expertise and solidify regional ties.
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