The 13-nation Pragati 2026 military exercise begins in Meghalaya

In the exercise, Indian technology and defense companies will showcase indigenous equipment and innovations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and highlighting India’s growing capabilities in defense manufacturing, innovation and self-reliance. Photo: X/@ANI

A military exercise by 13 countries began at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).

Military exercise PRAGATI 2026 involves troops of “12 friendly nations” in addition to host India. They are Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

PRAGATI stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region. The exercise seeks to provide a common platform for participating militaries to engage in professional exchange, learn from each other’s experiences and build closer military-to-military ties, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, Indian Army, emphasized the importance of collective engagement in addressing the current security challenges. He said that the strengths and perspectives of each nation will contribute significantly to the achievement of the common objectives of the exercise.

Officials said the two-week exercise will focus on anti-terrorist operations in semi-mountainous terrain and jungles. The training program will include joint planning exercises, tactical-level exercises and coordinated operations designed to improve the adaptability, resilience and tactical skills of participating units.

“The emphasis will be on physical fitness, discipline and coordination when operating in challenging conditions,” said a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense.

“In the exercise, Indian technology and defense companies will showcase indigenous equipment and innovations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and highlighting India’s growing capabilities in defense manufacturing, innovation and self-reliance,” the spokesperson said.

Published – 20 May 2026 15:08 IST