KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia was among 13 countries that participated in the inaugural multilateral military exercise, Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region (Pragati), held recently at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, India.
More than 400 military personnel took part in the exercise, including troops from India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, according to a statement from India's Ministry of Defence.
The exercise showcased the interoperability, mutual trust, and collective resolve of the participating armed forces in addressing common security challenges. The event was attended by six Vice Chiefs and over 40 senior military officials from the participating countries.
"The exercise was conducted in the spirit of equality, friendship and mutual respect, providing a common platform for regional partners to exchange experiences, share best practices and strengthen military-to-military cooperation," the statement on Monday (June 1) read.
The exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain.
After extensive training through lectures, demonstrations, practices and special skills, the participants executed the 72-hour validation exercise. The exercise consolidated the training outcomes and demonstrated the operational synergy achieved during the exercise.
A key highlight of the exercise was the spirit of camaraderie and soldierly bonding displayed by all participants. The personnel roughed it out together through demanding training conditions, reinforcing the common soldierly spirit that binds armed forces across nations.
The exercise has laid a strong foundation for like-minded nations striving for a peaceful, prosperous and secure region and serves as a precursor to future editions of the exercise. – Bernama
