This PRAGATI 2026 exercise ending in Umroi,Meghalaya feels like one of those defence stories which may look routine from outside,but actually says quite a lot about what is happening around Indian Ocean Region rn .
On May 30,2026,the first edition of Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in IOR (PRAGATI) concluded after two-week-long exercise . And honestly,when over 400 troops from 12 nations come together in one place,it is not small thing ah .
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth,Vice Chief of the Army Staff,was present for final validation exercise and closing ceremony along with senior military leaders from participating nations . That itself shows this was not just symbolic drill,but proper attempt to build working comfort between armies.
Countries involved included Bhutan,Cambodia,Indonesia,Laos,Malaysia,Maldives,Myanmar,Nepal,the Philippines,Seychelles,Sri Lanka,and Vietnam . Quite wide mix actually,and all these countries have their own security concerns linked in some way to Indian Ocean Region.
And tbh,this is where exercise becomes interesting,because focus was not only parade-type coordination . Participants trained in tactical environments,with drills like counter-IED operations and room intervention drills getting attention.
Few things standing out clearly here:
- Counter-terrorism focus trained participants in operations targeting terrorism in diverse terrains.
- Indigenous defense demonstration highlighted India's growing defense manufacturing capabilities and commitment to self-reliance .
- Best practices shared as participating nations exchanged knowledge on counter-insurgency and combat operations.
Major Susmitha S. Variar,an officer of the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers,said training involved sharing best practices among contingents,which would improve operational readiness in real-world scenarios . And that sounds practical,because every country brings its own experience from ground situations.
Another point is terrain . Exercise looked at challenges in semi-mountainous and jungle terrains,which is actually very relevant for many countries in this region . Fighting or responding in such areas is very different from textbook planning inside conference room.
But at same time,these exercises also carry bigger message . India is clearly trying to show that regional security is shared responsibility,and that peace,stability,and security in Indian Ocean Region cannot depend on one country alone.
Still,real test will always be outside exercise ground . When actual threats come,will this partnership convert into quick coordination and trust,or stay limited to training photos and closing ceremonies…
