A 13-nation multinational military exercise, PRAGATI 2026, commenced at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya, with participation from India and 12 friendly countries of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian region.

About PRAGATI 2026

PRAGATI stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.

• It is a multinational military exercise hosted by India.
• It is spearheaded by the Indian Army under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence.
• The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding among participating countries.
• Participating Countries: India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka & Vietnam.

Objectives of the Exercise

• To provide a common platform for professional military exchanges.
• To strengthen military-to-military ties among participating nations.
• To improve coordination in addressing regional security challenges.
• To enhance operational capabilities in counter-terrorism and jungle warfare.
• To promote cooperation in ensuring peace, stability, and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Key Features of PRAGATI 2026

• The exercise is being conducted in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain, reflecting the operational environment of many participating countries.
• Training includes:
  • Joint planning exercises.
  • Tactical-level military drills.
  • Coordinated counter-terrorism operations.
  • Physical endurance and field-craft training.
• Special emphasis is placed on discipline, adaptability, fitness, and interoperability.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding PRAGATI 2026:

1. It stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.
2. It is a multinational military exercise hosted by India.
3. The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations and military interoperability.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3

One-Line Wrap

PRAGATI 2026 reflects India’s growing role in regional defence cooperation by bringing together 13 nations to strengthen military interoperability, counter-terrorism capabilities, and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

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