Indian Army to Host 11 Nations for First Multilateral Exercise “Pragati” in Meghalaya

In a major step toward strengthening regional defence cooperation and military interoperability, the Indian Army is set to host military delegations from 11 friendly foreign nations for the inaugural edition of the multilateral exercise “Pragati” at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.

The exercise is designed to enhance joint operational understanding, improve coordination, and build mutual trust among participating armies, reflecting India’s growing focus on collaborative security frameworks in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.

According to official inputs, Exercise Pragati-short for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region-aims to bring together partner nations on a common platform to share best practices in training, planning, and operational procedures.

The Indian Army stated that the exercise reinforces its commitment to defence diplomacy and collective security, while also promoting regional stability through structured military engagement. The participation of 11 countries highlights increasing international confidence in India as a key security partner in the region.

The Foreign Training Node at Umroi has been developed as a dedicated facility for multinational military engagements, equipped to support complex joint training scenarios. Officials noted that preparations for Exercise Pragati are already in the final stages, with coordination meetings and planning conferences completed to ensure smooth execution.

Defence experts believe that such exercises significantly enhance interoperability among armed forces, especially in areas such as tactical coordination, communication systems, and joint operational planning. They also serve as a platform for participating countries to better understand each other’s doctrines and operational environments.

The inaugural Exercise Pragati is expected to further strengthen India’s military relations with partner nations and reinforce its position as a leading contributor to regional peace and security.