Indian Army K9 teams shine at Exercise PRAGATI 2026 in Meghalaya
Synopsis
At Exercise PRAGATI 2026 in Meghalaya, the Indian Army's K9 units — including an indigenous Rampur Hound — trained alongside forces from 12 nations, while robotic dogs shared the stage. It is a rare glimpse of how India is blending traditional canine warfare with emerging military technology, all under the Atmanirbhar Bharat banner.
Key Takeaways
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 commenced on 20 May 2026 at Umroi Military Station , Meghalaya, involving armed forces from 12 nations .
Indian Army K9 teams demonstrated IED detection , tracking, and intervention operations during the exercise.
Three dogs featured: 'Alan' (Belgian Malinois, assault), 'Victor' (Rampur Hound, tracking), and 'Deo' (Labrador, explosive detection).
The indigenous Rampur Hound was highlighted as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat self-reliance push in military operations.
Robotic dogs were also showcased, reflecting the integration of emerging technology with traditional K9 capabilities.
Participating nations include Bhutan , Nepal , Sri Lanka , Vietnam , Indonesia , Malaysia , and six others.
The Indian Army's military working dog teams emerged as a standout element of Exercise PRAGATI 2026, held at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, demonstrating specialised capabilities alongside armed forces personnel from 12 friendly nations. The multinational exercise, which commenced on 20 May 2026, provided a rare platform for K9 units to showcase their operational versatility in an international setting.
K9 Teams on Display
Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said the army dogs trained alongside troops from participating countries, underscoring their role in modern military operations and enhancing interoperability in a multinational environment. The demonstration featured three dogs, each representing a distinct capability: 'Alan', a Belgian Malinois assault dog; 'Victor', a Rampur Hound tracker dog; and 'Deo', a Labrador explosive detection dog.
Tasks on display ranged from IED (Improvised Explosive Device) detection and hostile movement tracking to direct intervention operations — scenarios that reflect the high-risk environments in which military dogs are routinely deployed.
Indigenous Breed in the Spotlight
A notable highlight was the participation of the Rampur Hound, an indigenous Indian breed represented by 'Victor'. According to Lt Col Rawat, the breed is valued for its climatic adaptability, resilience, and disease resistance. Its integration into operational roles is part of a broader push toward self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, signalling the Indian Army's intent to reduce dependence on imported breeds for frontline military roles.
The K9 teams also demonstrated effectiveness across varied terrains — from deserts to glaciers — reinforcing their adaptability in diverse operational conditions.
Tradition Meets Technology
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 also featured robotic dogs, highlighting the evolving interface between trained animals and emerging military technology. Lt Col Rawat noted that the robotic platforms and K9 warriors together presented 'a compelling picture of tradition and technology working in tandem to enhance operational effectiveness.'
The inclusion of both biological and mechanical assets in a single exercise reflects a wider shift in how modern armies are conceptualising force multiplication — blending instinct and loyalty with precision and programmability.
About Exercise PRAGATI 2026
The two-week multilateral exercise brought together armed forces from Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. The exercise aims to strengthen regional cooperation, interoperability, and strategic coordination among participating nations. With the exercise concluding in the first week of June, assessments of joint operational readiness across participating contingents are expected to follow.
Point of View
Exercises like PRAGATI serve as soft-power instruments, and the K9 display — accessible, visual, universally relatable — is precisely the kind of optic that travels well across partner nations' media. The robotic dog inclusion, meanwhile, hints at procurement conversations that are unlikely to stay experimental for long.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exercise PRAGATI 2026?
Exercise PRAGATI 2026 is a two-week multilateral military exercise that commenced on 20 May 2026 at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, bringing together armed forces from India and 12 friendly nations including Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It focuses on regional cooperation, interoperability, and strategic coordination.
Which Indian Army dogs were featured at Exercise PRAGATI 2026?
Three dogs were showcased: 'Alan', a Belgian Malinois assault dog; 'Victor', a Rampur Hound tracker dog; and 'Deo', a Labrador explosive detection dog. Each demonstrated a distinct specialised skill set reflecting the versatility of Indian Army K9 teams.
Why is the Rampur Hound significant in this exercise?
The Rampur Hound is an indigenous Indian breed being integrated into operational military roles as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat self-reliance initiative. It is valued for climatic adaptability, resilience, and disease resistance, reducing the army's reliance on imported breeds.
What role do military dogs play in modern army operations?
Military dogs are used for IED detection, hostile movement tracking, and direct intervention operations. According to the Indian Army, K9 teams are effective across varied terrains — from deserts to glaciers — making them valuable force multipliers in high-risk scenarios.
Were robotic dogs also part of Exercise PRAGATI 2026?
Yes, robotic dogs were demonstrated alongside biological K9 units at Exercise PRAGATI 2026, highlighting the evolving integration of trained animals and emerging technology in future military operations.
