Indian Army Conducts Exercise Sanjha Shakti to Strengthen Civil–Military Coordination

Indian Army Conducts Exercise ‘Sanjha Shakti’ to Boost Civil–Military Coordination

The Indian Army conducted Exercise Sanjha Shakti , a large-scale Military–Civil Fusion drill, at the Dighi Hills Range to strengthen coordination between the armed forces and civilian agencies. The exercise was organised under the aegis of the Southern Command , covering the Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa Area, with a focus on enhancing preparedness for complex security and emergency scenarios in rear areas.

Purpose and Operational Orientation

According to the Army, the core objective of Exercise Sanjha Shakti was to improve civil–military synergy , enhance rapid response mechanisms, and ensure public safety during emergencies. The drill focused on coordinated responses to situations such as natural disasters, internal security contingencies, and other crisis scenarios where seamless cooperation between multiple agencies is essential.

Special emphasis was placed on safeguarding the hinterland, an area where timely coordination between civilian authorities and the military plays a critical role.

Multi-Agency Participation

The exercise witnessed participation from over 350 personnel , bringing together the Indian Army and 16 civilian agencies . Key participants included the Maharashtra Police, Force One, and various fire, medical, and emergency response services.

The scale and diversity of participation highlighted the importance of integrated planning, information sharing, and joint execution among agencies responsible for public safety and disaster management.

Testing Interoperability and Crisis Response

Exercise Sanjha Shakti featured realistic, mission-oriented scenarios designed to test interoperability, communication networks, command-and-control structures, and decision-making processes . The drill evaluated how quickly and effectively civil and military agencies could respond together under time-sensitive and high-pressure conditions.

The Southern Command stated that the exercise successfully validated coordinated response mechanisms, particularly in disaster relief and internal security support operations.

Leadership Perspective and Strategic Importance

Senior Army leadership underscored the importance of sustained civil–military cooperation. D S Kushwah , General Officer Commanding of the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area, noted that strong collaboration between civil authorities and the armed forces is vital for protecting rear areas, responding swiftly to disasters, and supporting veterans and their families.

The exercise reaffirmed the Indian Army’s role beyond frontline defence, highlighting its responsibilities in internal security, disaster response, and national resilience.

Key Exam-Focused Points

• Exercise Sanjha Shakti is a Military–Civil Fusion exercise conducted by the Indian Army.

• It is organised under the Southern Command .

• The exercise focuses on disaster response, internal security, and rear area safety .

• Participation includes the Army and multiple civilian law enforcement and emergency agencies .

• Civil–military coordination is crucial for hinterland security and crisis management .