PRAGATI 2026: मेघालय में 13‑राष्ट्रीय सैन्य अभ्यास शुरू, काउंटर‑टेररिज़्म सहयोग को बढ़ावा देने के लिए

<p>The Indian Army began the <span class="key-term" data-definition="PRAGATI 2026 — Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region; a multilateral drill aimed at enhancing security cooperation among participating nations (GS2: Polity)">PRAGATI 2026</span> at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya on <strong>20 May 2026</strong>. The two‑week exercise involves troops from India and twelve friendly countries – Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Allied forces will conduct <span class="key-term" data-definition="Counter‑terrorism operations – military actions aimed at preventing, disrupting or eliminating terrorist activities; a priority area for Indian security policy (GS3: Security)">counter‑terrorism operations</span> in semi‑mountainous and jungle terrain.</li> <li>The programme includes <span class="key-term" data-definition="Joint planning exercises – coordinated activities where multiple armies develop common strategies and operational plans; essential for interoperability (GS2: Polity)">joint planning exercises</span>, tactical‑level drills and coordinated maneuvers.</li> <li>Physical fitness, discipline and coordination will be emphasized to improve troop endurance in challenging conditions.</li> <li>Indian defence firms will showcase indigenous equipment under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Atmanirbhar Bharat – the ‘self‑reliant India’ initiative promoting domestic manufacturing and reduced import dependence; central to India’s strategic autonomy (GS3: Economy, GS4: Ethics)">Atmanirbhar Bharat</span> drive, highlighting home‑grown defence capabilities.</li> <li><span class="key-term" data-definition="Additional Director General of Infantry – senior Indian Army officer responsible for overseeing infantry matters and training (GS2: Polity)">Major General Sunil Sheoran</span>, ADG (Infantry), stressed the need for collective engagement to meet contemporary security challenges.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The exercise will be held at Umroi, a forward base in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, offering semi‑mountainous and dense‑forest terrain ideal for realistic counter‑terrorism drills. Participation of twelve neighbouring and Indian‑Ocean nations underscores India’s role as a security hub in the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Indian Ocean Region – the maritime area spanning the Indian Ocean and its adjoining seas; a strategic zone for trade, energy routes and naval presence (GS2: Polity)">Indian Ocean Region</span>.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>Understanding <span class="key-term" data-definition="PRAGATI 2026 — Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region; a multilateral drill aimed at enhancing security cooperation among participating nations (GS2: Polity)">PRAGATI</span> helps aspirants grasp India’