New Delhi, May 13 (JKNS): India is set to host a major multinational military exercise, “PRAGATI 2026”, at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, from May 20 to May 31, aimed at enhancing defence cooperation, interoperability and joint operational preparedness among regional armies.
According to a Defence Ministry statement, as per news agency JKNS, PRAGATI, which stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region, reflects the shared commitment of participating nations towards professional cooperation, mutual learning and collective preparedness.
The exercise will bring together contingents from Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Located amidst the scenic surroundings of Meghalaya, the Joint Training Node at Umroi offers a conducive environment for military training. The pleasant weather, undulating terrain and natural jungle cover provide suitable conditions for tactical training, joint planning and validation of operational concepts.
The Joint Training Node, Umroi is equipped with modern training infrastructure, including a Joint Warfare Centre, Battle Obstacle Course, Reflex Shooting Range, Small Arms Firing Range, Heliborne Operations Training Area, Jungle Lane Shooting Area, Endurance Trekking Lane and Validation Exercise Training Area.
These facilities support training in command post procedures, obstacle negotiation, reflex shooting, room intervention, fire and move drills, jungle operations, heliborne drills and casualty evacuation.
The exercise will culminate with a 72-hour exercise, which will provide an opportunity to consolidate the lessons learnt during the training and demonstrate interoperability achieved by the participating contingents in a multinational environment.
Senior delegations from participating nations, including Vice Chiefs and senior commanders, are expected to attend the culminating phase of the exercise. Their presence will provide an opportunity to review the conduct of the exercise and further strengthen avenues for continued defence cooperation and professional engagement.
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 is being conducted in the spirit of equality, friendship and mutual respect. It aims to build trust, enhance interoperability and strengthen military-to-military cooperation among the participating armies.
The exercise reaffirms the Indian Army’s commitment to constructive defence engagement with friendly foreign countries and to addressing common security challenges through cooperation, joint training and shared learning. (JKNS)
