Pragati 2026: A Landmark Military Exercise in Meghalaya
Overview of Pragati 2026
More than 400 soldiers, including around 20 women personnel, participated in the two-week exercise. (Photo:@prodefgau/X)
Umroi (Meghalaya), May 30: The inaugural multilateral military exercise, Pragati 2026, took place in Umroi, Meghalaya, involving armies from 13 nations. This event, which concluded on Saturday, emphasized counter-insurgency tactics, interoperability, and building mutual trust among countries in the Indian Ocean region.
Over 400 soldiers, including approximately 20 women, from nations such as Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and India participated in this two-week training.
Participants engaged in various drills, including helicopter slithering, IED detection along operational routes, and rock-face descents, according to officials.
Key Highlights of the Exercise
Brigadier Mayur Shekatkar, the chief coordinator, described Pragati as a significant exercise conducted in the tranquil setting of Umroi. He noted that the troops practiced specialized drills, including rock craft and tactical operations.
Col. Sandeep Poonia, the exercise director, explained that Pragati stands for 'Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region'. He highlighted the goal of fostering synergy, interoperability, and enhancing mutual trust among participating nations. The training focused on counter-insurgency operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrains.
Additionally, the exercise included sessions on the calming practice of Yoga.
Technological Integration and Best Practices
During the two-week program, discussions were held on integrating advanced technologies and their impact on tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Col. Poonia emphasized the importance of understanding how these innovations could enhance operational effectiveness.
Major Susmita S Variar, an engineering representative, noted that the exercise allowed for the sharing of best practices in engineering, including counter-IED drills in simulated combat scenarios.
International Perspectives
Lt. Col. Sangay Jantsho from the Royal Bhutan Army expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for organizing the successful exercise, highlighting the opportunity to collaborate with troops from various nations and share experiences in counter-insurgency.
Lt. Col. Louis Agathine from Seychelles reflected on the historical ties between his country and India, stating that such exercises strengthen friendships across the Indian Ocean region. He expressed eagerness to implement the ideas exchanged during the training.
Staff Sergeant Mary Simongo from the Philippines also conveyed appreciation for the valuable knowledge gained, which she plans to share upon returning home.