This is just a snapshot of India’s military prowess, its brotherhood and camaraderie with 12 friendly nations. When they fight together, they know, they are not in hollow arms but steel solid arms who would not leave them alone in the battlefield. Together they win, every game they play… in reality against the enemy or even in war gaming as witnessed during exercise Pragati 2026.
The maiden edition of multinational joint military Exercise PRAGATI 2026, which commenced on 20 May 2026 at Umroi, Meghalaya, is in full swing, bringing together over 400 military personnel from 12 friendly nations in a shared commitment towards regional peace, security and cooperation.
Shreya Das, National Defence
New Delhi, 27th May 2026
Conducted in the spirit of equality, friendship and mutual respect, the exercise has provided an important platform for participating armies to train together, share best practices and enhance interoperability in a multinational environment. A key feature of the ongoing training has been the formation of cohesive mixed teams, comprising personnel from all participating nations, who are extensively participating together for a common cause.
Over the past three days, the mixed teams have trained in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain, undertaking rock craft, ambush and counter-ambush drills, slithering, jungle lane shooting and bus intervention. Sniper and AK-203 firing competitions have also been conducted to enhance operational proficiency, confidence and professional understanding among the participants.
The exercise has equally focused on strengthening camaraderie and military bonding through sports and informal interaction. Personnel from friendly nations participated in basketball, volleyball and tug of war, reinforcing teamwork, mutual trust and the soldierly spirit that binds armed forces across borders.
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 continues to strengthen collective readiness, deepen military-to-military cooperation and build enduring bonds among regional partners. It reflects the shared resolve of participating nations to work together towards common security challenges through joint training, mutual learning and professional cooperation.
As the drills goes on, the impact of what’s happening here will ripple far beyond Meghalaya. Ultimately, it reflects the shared resolve of participating nations to work together towards common security challenges through joint training, mutual learning and professional cooperation.
Amid tactical drills and multinational training at Exercise PRAGATI 2026, the Indian Army’s four-legged warriors added a distinctive and powerful dimension to the exercise. Army dogs trained alongside troops from friendly foreign countries, showcasing their role in modern military operations and enhancing interoperability in a multinational environment.
From IED detection and tracking to intervention operations, the K9 teams demonstrated how trained military dogs remain an invaluable asset in high-risk operational scenarios. The display included Alan, a Belgian Malinois assault dog; Victor, a Rampur Hound tracker dog; and Deo, a Labrador explosive detection dog. Each showcased a specialised skill set, reflecting the versatility, discipline and mission readiness of Indian Army K9 teams.
A key highlight was the participation of India’s indigenous breed, the Rampur Hound, represented by Victor. Known for climatic adaptability, resilience and disease resistance, indigenous breeds are increasingly being integrated into operational roles, strengthening the Indian Army’s move towards self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The K9 warriors also demonstrated their operational relevance across varied terrains, from deserts to glaciers, underlining their adaptability and effectiveness in diverse conditions. Whether detecting explosives, tracking hostile movement or supporting intervention teams, these dogs bring speed, instinct, courage and loyalty to the battlefield.
The exercise also featured robotic dogs, highlighting the evolving interface between trained animals and emerging technology in future military operations. Together, the robotic platforms and K9 warriors presented a compelling picture of tradition and technology working in tandem to enhance operational effectiveness.
At Exercise PRAGATI 2026, the K9 warriors stood out as silent force multipliers, embodying courage, loyalty and readiness.
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