The inaugural edition of the multilateral military exercise, Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region (PRAGATI) 2026, commenced at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya on May 20, 2026. Organized by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, the two-week joint training event brings together military contingents from India and 12 friendly foreign nations. The exercise represents a significant milestone in India’s defence diplomacy, aiming to build cooperative security capacity and counter-terrorism capabilities across the Indian Ocean Region and Southeast Asia.
What is Exercise PRAGATI 2026?
Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region (PRAGATI) 2026 is the inaugural edition of a multilateral military exercise hosted by the Indian Army. The two-week joint training event, scheduled from May 18 to May 31, 2026, brings together infantry units from partner countries to exchange tactical knowledge and build professional cohesion. The opening ceremony took place on May 20, 2026, at the joint training facility in Meghalaya, where Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, welcomed the international participants and emphasized the importance of mutual respect in managing shared security challenges.
The training schedule is designed around counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in complex geographical conditions, such as jungle terrain and semi-mountainous regions. Participating troops engage in joint command-post planning, tactical-level drills, and coordination procedures. Key operational components of the exercise include intelligence sharing, jungle warfare tactics, heliborne assault operations, and emergency casualty evacuation. The exercise will culminate in a 72-hour validation mission to evaluate the interoperability and combat readiness of the integrated multinational force under realistic operational scenarios.
Participating Nations and Regional Representation
A total of 12 friendly foreign nations are participating alongside host India. These countries represent three key strategic zones that are central to India’s foreign policy and security architecture: the immediate subcontinental neighbourhood, Southeast Asia, and the island nations of the Indian Ocean. The broad participation highlights India’s active role as a regional security coordinator and a key defence partner.
To optimize coordination, the participating countries are grouped based on their geographic and geopolitical relationships with India:
| Region or Group | Participating Nations | Geopolitical Significance to India |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Neighbourhood | Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka | Critical for land border security, counter-insurgency cooperation, and stability in the sub-Himalayan and Bay of Bengal zones. |
| ASEAN Group | Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam | Key pillars of India’s Act East Policy; essential for maritime security, trade route protection, and regional stability in Southeast Asia. |
| Indian Ocean Region | Maldives, Seychelles | Vital island partners for maritime domain awareness, maritime search and rescue, and securing vital trade lanes in the western and central Indian Ocean. |
The Foreign Training Node at Umroi
The Foreign Training Node (FTN), also referred to as the Joint Training Node, at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya serves as the primary venue for Exercise PRAGATI 2026. Conceptualized and established by the Indian Army in 2016, the facility functions as the designated hub for the Eastern Command to host joint military operations and training programs with friendly foreign nations. Since its inception, the node has expanded from a command post exercise center into a premier international combat training hub.
The location in Meghalaya was chosen for its specific geography, dense jungle cover, and hilly terrain, which replicate the environmental conditions of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in South and Southeast Asia. Over the years, the node has hosted several high-profile bilateral and multilateral exercises, including Exercise Harimau Shakti with Malaysia.
Infrastructure and Training Capabilities
Spanning approximately 2,500 acres, the node is equipped with advanced infrastructure designed to simulate realistic combat conditions. At the core of the facility is the Joint Warfare Centre, a fully computerized, network-enabled command center that supports digital war-gaming, tactical planning, and communications simulations for multinational forces.
For field training, the facility features an 800-meter sniper range with multiple firing lanes, reflex shooting ranges, and jungle lanes that test soldiers under dynamic combat scenarios. Additionally, the node incorporates specialized tactical areas for heliborne operations, complex battle obstacle courses, and endurance trekking tracks. The node also includes eco-friendly, modern accommodations built to support large contingents for extended periods.
Strategic and Geopolitical Objectives
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 holds strategic and geopolitical significance beyond simple tactical drills. By bringing together land forces from South and Southeast Asia, India seeks to foster a unified regional approach to security threats. This joint training allows participating armies to develop common protocols for intelligence sharing and interoperability, which are vital for coordinating responses to transnational threats and natural disasters.
Alignment with India’s SAGAR and MAHASAGAR Initiatives
The exercise is a direct reflection of India’s foreign policy priorities, particularly the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine. Articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, SAGAR serves as India’s primary framework for maritime cooperation, capacity building, and regional stability. PRAGATI 2026 reinforces this doctrine by helping partner nations enhance their security capabilities, thereby establishing India as a reliable security partner and first responder in the region.
The exercise also aligns with the newer MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative. Launched in 2025 to extend the scope of the SAGAR policy, MAHASAGAR focuses on deeper partnerships and economic integration across the Global South. By training personnel from key island states like the Maldives, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka, India strengthens the security linkages required to protect vital shipping lanes and maritime boundaries.
Enhancing Atmanirbhar Bharat through the Defence Exposition
Alongside combat drills, the exercise showcases India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities. An industry exposition organized alongside the training showcases domestic defence equipment and technological innovations. This showcase is coordinated with the Army Design Bureau, an organization established by the Indian Army in 2016 to bridge the gap between military requirements and domestic defence manufacturers.
By presenting indigenous hardware to delegations from the 12 participating nations, the exposition supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It provides a direct channel for Indian technology and defence firms to display their capabilities to potential international buyers. This interaction not only promotes defence exports but also fosters technical collaboration, reducing the region’s dependence on external weapons suppliers.
Key Takeaways
- Exercise PRAGATI 2026 is the inaugural multilateral military exercise hosted by the Indian Army at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya from May 18 to May 31, 2026.
- A total of 12 friendly foreign nations from India’s immediate neighbourhood, the ASEAN region, and the Indian Ocean Region are participating in the two-week event.
- The Foreign Training Node at Umroi was established by the Indian Army in 2016 under the Eastern Command to act as a premier international training facility.
- The exercise supports India’s regional maritime policies, including the SAGAR doctrine launched in 2015 and the MAHASAGAR outreach framework launched in 2025.
- The Army Design Bureau, founded in 2016 to connect military needs with domestic manufacturers, helped coordinate the indigenous defence industry exposition at the event.
