India Launches Multilateral Exercise PRAGATI 2026 with 12 Nations — Boosting Defence Cooperation in Indian Ocean

<p>The Ministry of Defence has inaugurated <span class="key-term" data-definition="PRAGATI – Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region; a defence‑cooperation platform involving multiple countries (GS2: Polity)">PRAGATI</span> 2026 at <strong>Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya</strong>. Twelve friendly nations – Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam – arrived to take part in a two‑week joint training focused on counter‑terrorism.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Opening ceremony attended by senior officers, including <strong>Major General Sunil Sheoran</strong>, Additional Director General of Infantry, who stressed collective security and mutual learning.</li> <li>Exercise will cover joint planning, tactical drills and coordinated operations in semi‑mountainous and jungle terrain.</li> <li>Indian defence firms will showcase indigenous equipment under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Atmanirbhar Bharat – Government initiative aimed at self‑reliance in manufacturing and technology, especially defence (GS3: Economy)">Atmanirbhar Bharat</span> drive.</li> <li>Focus on building an institutional mechanism for <span class="key-term" data-definition="Intelligence sharing – Exchange of security‑related information among nations to pre‑empt threats (GS3: Security)">intelligence sharing</span> and joint <span class="key-term" data-definition="Joint operations – Coordinated military actions by two or more forces to achieve a common objective (GS2: Polity)">operations</span>.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The exercise aims to: (i) enhance seamless coordination among participating armies; (ii) identify common areas of cooperation; (iii) share best practices; (iv) strengthen defence ties through cultural exchange; and (v) develop common concepts for managing security challenges in the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Indian Ocean Region – Strategic maritime zone bordering South Asia, crucial for trade and security (GS1: Geography)">Indian Ocean Region</span>. Physical fitness, discipline and adaptability are emphasized to prepare troops for harsh environments.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>For GS‑2 (Polity), the exercise illustrates India's use of multilateral defence diplomacy to project influence and build strategic partnerships. GS‑3 (Economy) relevance lies in the showcase of indigenous defence technology, reflecting the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Atmanirbhar Bharat – Government initiative aimed at self‑reliance in manufacturing and technology, especially defence (GS3: Economy)">Atmanirbhar Bharat</span> policy. GS‑4 (Security) students should note the emphasis on <span class="key-term" data-definition="Counter‑terrorism – Measures to prevent, detect and respond to terrorist activities (GS3: Security)">counter‑terrorism</span> training and <span class="key-term" data-definition="Intelligence sharing – Exchange of security‑related information among nations to pre‑empt threats (GS3: Security)">intelligence sharing</span>, which are critical for regional stability.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>Continued participation of regional armies will deepen interoperability and trust. India should institutionalise the mechanisms created during PRAGATI for regular <span class="key-term" data-definition="Joint operations – Coordinated military actions by two or more forces to achieve a common objective (GS2: Polity)">joint operations</span> and intelligence exchange. Strengthening the domestic defence industrial base under <span class="key-term" data-definition="Atmanirbhar Bharat – Government initiative aimed at self‑reliance in manufacturing and technology, especially defence (GS3: Economy)">Atmanirbhar Bharat</span> will further reduce dependence on imports and enhance strategic autonomy.</p>