PRAGATI 2026 includes sports in Meghalaya

The Indian Army said on May 25 that Exercise PRAGATI 2026 in Meghalaya had entered an intensive phase, combining combat training with sports events for troops from 12 participating countries. More than 400 military personnel are taking part in the maiden edition of the exercise at Umroi Military Station, according to Indian government and army-linked releases. The drill began on May 20 and is focused on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain. Public updates on May 24 and May 25 said basketball, volleyball and tug of war were also included as part of the program. ### Which countries are taking part in PRAGATI 2026? The Ministry of Defence said on May 20 that 12 “friendly nations” are participating alongside India at Umroi in Meghalaya. The countries named by the ministry were Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, welcomed the contingents at the opening ceremony and said collective engagement was important in addressing contemporary security challenges, according to the ministry’s release. (archive.pib.gov.in) The ministry said the exercise is being conducted in the spirit of “equality, friendship and mutual respect.” ### Why are sports part of a military exercise? Organizers said the exercise was designed not only around tactical drills but also around unit cohesion among mixed multinational teams. An ANI report published on May 25 said personnel from participating nations took part in basketball, volleyball and tug of war to reinforce teamwork, mutual trust and what it described as the “soldierly spirit” across armed forces. (archive.pib.gov.in) The same report said a key feature of the exercise has been the formation of mixed teams made up of personnel from all participating nations. Those teams have trained together over the past three days for what organizers described as a common cause. ### What military training has been reported so far? Over the past three days, mixed teams have trained in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain, according to the May 25 report. (newkerala.com) The activities listed included rock craft, ambush and counter-ambush drills, slithering, jungle lane shooting and bus intervention. The Ministry of Defence said the broader two-week program includes joint planning exercises, tactical-level drills and coordinated operations intended to improve adaptability, endurance and tactical proficiency. (newkerala.com) It also said emphasis would be placed on physical fitness, discipline and coordination in challenging conditions. ### What does PRAGATI stand for? (newkerala.com) The Ministry of Defence said PRAGATI stands for “Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.” The ministry said the exercise is intended to provide a platform for professional exchange, sharing of best practices and closer military-to-military ties among participating armies. (archive.pib.gov.in) A May 25 field update said sniper and AK-203 firing competitions were also conducted during the exercise. Organizers said the training was aimed at enhancing interoperability in a multinational environment. ### What happens next at Umroi? The Ministry of Defence said the exercise runs for two weeks from May 20 at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya. (archive.pib.gov.in) It also said Indian technology and defence companies are scheduled to showcase indigenous equipment and innovations during the exercise under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. As of May 25, officials said PRAGATI 2026 was continuing with joint training among the 12 participating foreign contingents and Indian personnel in Meghalaya. (newkerala.com) (archive.pib.gov.in)