The Ministry of Defence has inaugurated PRAGATI 2026 at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya. 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.
Key Developments
- Opening ceremony attended by senior officers, including Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, who stressed collective security and mutual learning.
- Exercise will cover joint planning, tactical drills and coordinated operations in semi‑mountainous and jungle terrain.
- Indian defence firms will showcase indigenous equipment under the Atmanirbhar Bharat drive.
- Focus on building an institutional mechanism for intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Important Facts
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 Indian Ocean Region. Physical fitness, discipline and adaptability are emphasized to prepare troops for harsh environments.
Exam Relevance
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 Atmanirbhar Bharat policy. GS‑4 (Security) students should note the emphasis on counter‑terrorism training and intelligence sharing, which are critical for regional stability.
Way Forward
Continued participation of regional armies will deepen interoperability and trust. India should institutionalise the mechanisms created during PRAGATI for regular joint operations and intelligence exchange. Strengthening the domestic defence industrial base under Atmanirbhar Bharat will further reduce dependence on imports and enhance strategic autonomy.