Indian Army conducts exercise to boost civil–military coordination in Southern Command

The Indian Army on Saturday said it conducted exercise ‘Sanjha Shakti’, a joint Military–Civil Fusion exercise, at the Dighi Hills Range under the aegis of the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area of the Southern Command. The exercise focused on strengthening coordination between the armed forces and civilian agencies to deal with complex security challenges and emergency situations, as per a post shared by the Southern Command of the Indian Army on X.According to the Indian Army, the exercise was aimed at enhancing civil–military synergy, improving rapid response capabilities and ensuring public safety. More than 350 personnel participated in the drill, which brought together the Indian Army and 16 key civilian agencies, including the Maharashtra Police, Force One and various fire departments. The joint exercise tested interoperability, communication protocols, decision-making processes and rapid response mechanisms through realistic, mission-oriented scenarios, the post said.The Army stated that exercise Sanjha Shakti validated seamless coordination between civil and military stakeholders, particularly in situations involving, disaster response and public safety. The emphasis was on preparedness and joint action to address emergencies in the hinterland effectively.Lt Gen DS Kushwah, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding of the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area, highlighted the importance of close civil–military cooperation. He stressed that such synergy is critical for safeguarding the hinterland, responding swiftly to disasters and providing support to veterans and their families, as per the Indian Army’s post.The exercise reaffirmed the Indian Army’s role in rear area security and public safety, the Southern Command said, adding that it underlined the shared commitment of civil and military agencies to work together under the framework of Military–Civil Fusion to ensure safety and security.