The multilateral military exercise Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in IOR (PRAGATI) 2026 has wrapped up, emphasizing a collective dedication to peace, stability, and security in the Indian Ocean Region. Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), and other senior military officials from participating nations attended the final validation exercise and closing ceremony in Umroi, Meghalaya.
Involving more than 400 troops from 12 Friendly Foreign Countries, the exercise aimed to strengthen camaraderie and operational coordination. PRAGATI, conducted with a focus on partnership and shared responsibility, reiterated the joint resolve for regional peace and security. Participants from Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam came together to enhance regional cooperation and strategic alignment.
The event also featured an indigenous defense industry demonstration showcasing India’s technological advancements and defense manufacturing capabilities. This highlighted India’s commitment to self-reliance and indigenous solutions for future military operations. The exercise concentrated on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrains, emphasizing tactical training and sharing of best practices among contingents.
Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers officer Major Susmitha S. Variar shared insights on the training aspects of PRAGATI 2026, including key engineering tasks, counter-IED operations, room intervention drills, and support for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in simulated combat settings.
