The Indian Army is set to host delegations from 11 friendly foreign countries for the inaugural edition of Exercise PRAGATI at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.
What is Exercise PRAGATI?
Exercise PRAGATI (Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region) is a multinational initiative aimed at:
- Strengthening defence cooperation
- Enhancing interoperability between participating forces
- Building mutual trust and coordination
Participating Nations
India extended invitations to 15 countries, including:
- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka
- Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam
- Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Seychelles
Out of these, 11 nations are participating, reflecting strong regional engagement.
Strategic Importance of Umroi
The exercise will be held at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, a key military hub in Northeast India. The location is significant for:
- Enhancing India’s military engagement in the Northeast
- Strengthening connectivity with neighbouring and ASEAN nations
- Facilitating joint training and knowledge exchange
Key Objectives
The exercise aims to:
- Promote collective security in the Indian Ocean Region
- Improve joint operational capabilities
- Address emerging regional security challenges
India’s Expanding Regional Role
Through initiatives like Exercise PRAGATI, India is positioning itself as a key player in:
- Indo-Pacific security architecture
- Multinational defence cooperation
- Regional stability and peace
