UPSC Notes

Multinational Military Exercises and Regional Security Cooperation

PYQs

9

Articles

2

Momentum

25

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC cares about India's evolving foreign policy, strategic autonomy, and how it leverages its military capabilities to enhance its global standing, foster international relations, and achieve economic objectives through defence exports. Military diplomacy is a crucial tool in India's security and external relations strategy.

Multinational military exercises are critical components of military diplomacy, designed to foster interoperability, build mutual trust, and enhance joint operational readiness among participating nations. These exercises provide platforms for sharing best practices, understanding diverse tactical approaches, and preparing for coordinated responses to common security challenges in a specific region.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Exercise PRAGATI 2026 participants

Involved 12 friendly nations including Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

Location

Held at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya, India.

Key objectives

Enhancing interoperability and joint operational readiness in multinational environments.

Strategic significance

Demonstrates India's commitment to regional security partnerships and military diplomacy.

Role of Defence Attachés (DAs)

DAs posted in Indian embassies are key instruments, now required to learn local languages and undergo periodic proficiency evaluations to streamline their role.

Focus Areas

Greater emphasis on expanding defence exports, promoting indigenous defence products, and strengthening military partnerships.

Expansion of Diplomatic Footprint

India's defence wings abroad have increased from ~50 to over 70, with new DA billets approved in strategic regions like Africa, the Philippines, and Armenia.

Defence Export Growth

Defence exports have risen significantly from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26, with a target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029.

Reference table

India's Defence Exports Growth

Financial YearExports (₹ crore)
2013-14686
2025-2638,424
Target by 202950,000

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaGeopolitics & International Conflicts
Conceptual areaInternational Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Indian ArmyOrganizes
Ministry of DefenceImplements
Rashtriya Raksha UniversityFacilitates/supports
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Multinational exercises foster interoperability and trust.
  • PRAGATI 2026 involved 12 nations in Meghalaya.
  • Aims: joint operational readiness, shared best practices.
  • Reflects India's military diplomacy and regional security focus.
  • Crucial for coordinated responses to security challenges.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Geopolitics & International ConflictsInternational Relations
Prelims 2016· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

K9 warriors and robotic dogs steal spotlight at Exercise PRAGATI 2026

27 May 2026 · Multinational military exercises like PRAGATI 2026 are crucial for fostering interoperability, building trust, and enhancing joint operational readiness among participating nations, reflecting regional security cooperation.

Read article

Defence Attachés to undergo language proficiency evaluation

15 Aug 2026 · India is actively enhancing its military diplomacy by expanding its defence attaché network, emphasizing language proficiency, and leveraging these missions to boost defence exports and foster strategic partnerships globally, responding to a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 9 linked questions on Multinational Military Exercises and Regional Security Cooperation in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Multinational Military Exercises and Regional Security Cooperation

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2. It ...

2024·International Relations
Solve

With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...

2015·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements : Statement-I : There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. Statement-II: There have been m...

2024·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following in respect of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): 1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indi...

2017·International Relations
Solve

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

2015·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

2016·International Relations
Solve

Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the follow...

2019·International Relations
Solve

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this ...

2026·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN member countries ? 1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Tran...

2026·International Relations
Solve

Editorial & Review Process

Every revision note and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy, syllabus relevance, and exam value. Read our Editorial Policy.

Verified Quality