India Leads Multilateral Exercise PRAGATI 2026 at Umroi – Boosting Interoperability and Indigenous Defence

Overview : The maiden edition of PRAGATI 2026 was held at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya from 2026. Over 400 troops from 13 friendly nations participated in a 72‑hour validation exercise that tested interoperability , mutual trust and collective resolve against common security threats. Key Developments Six Vice Chiefs and more than 40 senior officers from the 13 participating countries attended the inauguration hosted by Vice Chief of the Army Staff , Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth. Joint training covered rock‑craft, ambush‑counter‑ambush drills, jungle lane shooting, IED detection, casualty evacuation and room‑bus intervention. Mixed teams from India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia and Laos operated together, enhancing interoperability and capacity building. The Indian Army, in partnership with FICCI , showcased cutting‑edge indigenous defence equipment under the Atmanirbhar Bharat drive. Bilateral meetings on the sidelines deepened defence cooperation and opened avenues for future joint exercises. Important Facts Total participants: >400 troops from 13 nations. Duration of validation phase: 72 hours. Senior Indian dignitaries: Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth (Vice Chief of the Army Staff) and other senior officials. Key training modules: rock‑craft, ambush drills, jungle lane shooting, IED detection, casualty evacuation. Industry showcase: Indigenous weapons, new‑generation equipment, and niche technologies. UPSC Relevance The exercise illustrates how India uses multilateral defence platforms to project strategic autonomy (GS2: Polity) and to strengthen regional security architecture in the Indian Ocean Region. Understanding PRAGATI helps aspirants grasp India's maritime outreach, a key component of the Neighbourhood First and Act East policies. The emphasis on indigenous defence industry aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda, a recurring theme in GS3 questions on self‑reliance and economic security. Way Forward Future editions of PRAGATI can expand to include more nations, incorporate cyber‑defence and maritime components, and deepen industry‑to‑industry linkages through platforms like FICCI . Strengthening interoperability will remain critical as security challenges become more complex. Continuous engagement at the level of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and senior officials will ensure policy continuity and deeper strategic ties.