The Indian Army is scheduled to host its first-ever multilateral military drill involving 11 nations, titled “Exercise Pragati,” at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, from 18 to 31 May.
This inaugural event signifies a strategic transition in the Indian Army’s training methodology, moving from traditional bilateral exercises toward consortium-style engagements.
The military delegations will comprise troops from 11 friendly countries, specifically Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, reports Times of India.
According to the Indian Army, the initiative is designed to strengthen defence cooperation, improve interoperability, and foster mutual trust among the participating regional forces.
The exercise is set to focus primarily on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, serving as a platform for joint training and defence diplomacy.
It forms a core part of India’s intensifying defence engagement with its neighbours and nations across the Indian Ocean region, with an emphasis on building shared operational capabilities and capacity.
In a statement released on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) emphasized that the exercise underscores a shared commitment to regional stability and collective security.
Beyond the tactical wargames, the event will feature a two-day industry exposition.
This component is intended to showcase the Indian Army’s indigenous hardware and equipment, providing foreign contingents with hands-on experience and facilitating potential industrial partnerships with ASEAN nations.
