Bangladesh Opts Out of India's Multinational 'Exercise Pragati'

New Delhi ( The Indian View team) : Bangladesh has opted to not join India’s maiden endeavor to conduct a joint exercise of the militaries of friendly foreign countries. Confirming the absence of Bangladesh military personnel from Exercise Pragati, a source said, "The invitation was extended to around 15 countries, including Bangladesh."

In the initial phase there was a positive response from the Bangladesh side, but eventually no team was sent to participate in the multinational exercise being held at the Indian Army's Field Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya. The exercise began on May 18 and concluded on Saturday, May 30.

Exercise Pragati 2026 aimed to enhance military cooperation among 12 nations in the Indian Ocean Region, focusing on counter-terrorism operations. It provided a platform for sharing expertise and improving joint operational capabilities, fostering deeper military ties in a spirit of equality and mutual respect.