MNDF Special Forces Join Multilateral Counterterrorism Exercise in India

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has joined a high-level military training programme hosted by the Indian Armed Forces, aimed at enhancing tactical expertise and strengthening strategic ties within the Indian Ocean region. Known as Exercise PRAGATI 2026, the two-week initiative is currently being conducted at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, India. The exercise, which stands for the 'Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region,' serves as a multilateral platform to foster cooperation and share technical knowledge among diverse military forces. The Maldives is joined by 11 other nations, including Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. This broad regional coalition is designed to create a unified training environment where partners can align their operational strategies. The rigorous training regimen focuses specifically on the planning and execution of counterterrorism operations tailored for challenging mountainous and jungle terrains. To meet these objectives, the participating forces are engaging in a series of joint planning scenarios, tactical drills, and coordinated field operations intended to improve response capabilities in difficult geographical settings. Representing the Maldives is a specialized delegation consisting of two officers and 30 enlisted soldiers. This contingent is drawn from the nation's most elite units, including the Special Forces, the Special Operations Group, the Special Boat Squadron, and the Marines. By deploying these highly trained personnel, the MNDF aims to integrate advanced tactical experience into its national defence apparatus, ensuring the force remains capable of addressing complex security threats in the region.