During the high-intensity multinational military exercise PRAGATI 2026 held in Meghalaya, Indian Army canine units played a standout role by demonstrating their specialised operational capabilities alongside armed forces personnel from 12 friendly nations. The exercise highlighted the growing importance of trained military dogs as force multipliers in modern warfare scenarios.
According to defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, the K9 units trained jointly with international troops, reinforcing interoperability and coordination in complex tactical environments. These trained dogs contributed significantly in roles such as explosive detection, tracking of hostile elements, and intervention support during simulated combat situations.
The demonstration featured several highly trained dogs with distinct operational specialisations. “Alan,” a Belgian Malinois, was showcased as an assault-trained dog, while “Deo,” a Labrador, specialised in explosive detection tasks. “Victor,” a Rampur Hound, was presented as a tracking dog, highlighting the effectiveness of India’s indigenous breeds in defence operations.
Officials noted that the inclusion of the Rampur Hound underlined the Indian Army’s focus on indigenous capabilities and self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Known for adaptability to varied climates and strong resilience, such native breeds are increasingly being integrated into military service roles.
The K9 teams demonstrated their effectiveness across diverse terrains, proving their ability to operate in deserts, plains, and high-altitude regions. Their roles include detecting improvised explosive devices, tracking movements in hostile environments, and assisting combat units during tactical operations.
Lt Col Rawat also highlighted the integration of robotic dogs during the exercise, reflecting the evolving blend of traditional animal-assisted operations with modern technological advancements. This combination showcased how emerging robotics and trained canine units can complement each other in future battlefield scenarios.
The exercise brought together military personnel from Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. It began on May 20 at the Umroi Military Station and is scheduled as a two-week-long training program aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, interoperability, and strategic coordination among participating countries.
Officials described PRAGATI 2026 as a significant platform for enhancing joint readiness and operational understanding among friendly nations, with Indian Army K9 units emerging as one of the key highlights of the exercise.
