Indian Army Conducts Exercise Sanjha Shakti in Maharashtra

The Indian Army on Saturday conducted Exercise “Sanjha Shakti”, a joint Military–Civil Fusion exercise, at the Dighi Hills Range. The exercise was organised under the aegis of the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area of the Southern Command, with the objective of strengthening coordination between the armed forces and civilian agencies in responding to complex security challenges and emergency situations.

Objective and Operational Focus

According to the Indian Army, the exercise aimed to enhance civil–military synergy, improve rapid response capabilities, and ensure public safety in rear areas. It focused on preparedness for emergencies such as disasters, internal security challenges, and other contingencies in the hinterland, where coordinated action between multiple agencies is critical.

Participation and Joint Agencies

More than 350 personnel participated in the drill, bringing together the Indian Army and 16 key civilian agencies. These included the Maharashtra Police, Force One, and various fire and emergency services. The large-scale participation highlighted the importance of integrated planning and execution among diverse stakeholders involved in public safety and disaster response.

Testing Interoperability and Response

The exercise involved realistic, mission-oriented scenarios designed to test interoperability, communication protocols, decision-making processes, and rapid response mechanisms. The Southern Command stated that Exercise Sanjha Shakti successfully validated seamless coordination between civil and military stakeholders, particularly in situations involving disaster management and public safety operations.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Exercise Sanjha Shakti is a Military–Civil Fusion exercise of the Indian Army.
• It was conducted under the Southern Command.
• The focus is on civil–military coordination for disasters and security challenges.
• Rear area security is a key responsibility of the armed forces.

Leadership Perspective and Strategic Significance

Lt Gen D S Kushwah, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding of the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area, emphasised that close civil–military cooperation is essential for safeguarding the hinterland, responding swiftly to disasters, and supporting veterans and their families. The exercise reaffirmed the Indian Army’s role in rear area security and underlined the shared commitment of civil and military agencies to operate jointly under the Military–Civil Fusion framework to ensure safety and security.