The Indian Army hosted the first edition of the multinational joint military exercise PRAGATI 2026 at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya [1], [2].
This initiative marks a strategic effort to synchronize counter-insurgency operations and strengthen security ties among nations within the Indian Ocean region. By coordinating tactics in a shared environment, the participating armies aim to build mutual trust and operational interoperability.
The exercise involved more than 400 military personnel [3], [4]. While some reports state 12 nations participated [4], other sources identify 13 countries as part of the event [1]. The participating nations included India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam [1].
The drills spanned a two-week duration [5]. The program commenced on May 20, 2024 [6], and concluded on Saturday, May 25, 2024 [7]. The timeline reflects a condensed period of intensive training focused on specialized counter-insurgency cooperation [2].
Activities at the Umroi Military Station were designed to foster cooperation across diverse military cultures. The exercise served as a platform for the 13 countries [1] to share best practices in managing internal security threats and stabilizing volatile regions. The focus remained on building a cohesive framework for trust and cooperation among the Indian Ocean region nations [2].
“The Indian Army hosted the first edition of the multinational joint military exercise PRAGATI 2026.”
The launch of PRAGATI 2026 signals India's intent to position itself as a central security hub for the Indian Ocean region. By bringing together a diverse group of Southeast Asian and island nations for counter-insurgency training, India is expanding its diplomatic and military influence to counter regional instability through multilateral cooperation rather than bilateral agreements.
