Shillong, May 20: Meghalaya is hosting a major multinational military exercise as the Indian Army on Wednesday commenced PRAGATI 2026 at Umroi Military Station near Shillong, bringing together troops from 12 countries for joint counter-terrorism training in jungle and semi-mountain terrain.

Military contingents from Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are participating in the two-week exercise, making it one of the significant multinational defence engagements to be held in the Northeast.

Officials said the exercise highlights Meghalaya’s strategic importance as a training location because of its terrain and operational environment.

The exercise, titled Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region (PRAGATI), aims to improve coordination, interoperability and military cooperation among participating countries.

The contingents were welcomed with traditional ceremonies on arrival at Umroi.

Speaking at the opening event, Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, Indian Army, said the exercise would help participating armies strengthen professional ties and share operational experiences in dealing with contemporary security challenges.

The training programme includes joint tactical drills, coordinated operations, planning exercises and intelligence-sharing practices focused on counter-terrorism operations in difficult terrain conditions.

Officials said the exercise will also provide an opportunity for cultural exchanges and military-to-military engagement among participating nations.

As part of the event, Indian defence companies are showcasing indigenous military technologies and equipment under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The Indian Army said the exercise is expected to strengthen regional defence cooperation and promote a coordinated approach to shared security challenges in the Indian Ocean region.