Why in News?

  • A joint Military–Civil Fusion (MCF) exercise named Sanjha Shakti was conducted in Pune, Maharashtra on 08–09 January 2026.
  • The exercise focused on coordination between the Indian Army and civil authorities to deal with security challenges and emergency situations.

ABOUT THE EXERCISE

  • Organised by:
    • Indian Army – Southern Command
  • Conducted under:
    • MG & G Area, Southern Command
  • Venue:
    • Diggi Range, Khadki Military Station, Pune
  • Duration:
    • 8–9 January 2026

OBJECTIVES

  • Strengthen military–civil coordination
  • Improve interoperability among agencies
  • Enhance quick response and joint action during:
    • Terror-related incidents
    • Natural disasters (floods, fires, emergencies)
    • Rear-area security challenges
  • Test preparedness for complex internal security scenarios

PERSONNEL INVOLVED

  • Indian Army units under Southern Command
  • 16 major civil agencies, including:
    • Maharashtra Police
    • Force One (elite counter-terror force of Maharashtra)
    • Fire Department
  • Personnel involved:
    • Over 350 civil personnel (excluding Army personnel)

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Demonstrated seamless coordination between military and civil authorities.
  • Focused on real-time decision-making, communication, and joint operations.
  • Validated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for crisis response.
  • Reinforced the concept of Whole-of-Government approach to internal security.

REMARKS BY SENIOR LEADERSHIP

  • Lieutenant General DS Kushwah, GOC, MG & G Area, addressed the participants.
  • He highlighted:
    • The Indian Army’s role in flood relief and disaster response
    • Importance of rear-area security
    • Ongoing welfare initiatives for veterans and veer naris
  • Emphasised that strong synergy between Army and state agencies is essential for:
    • Internal security
    • Humanitarian assistance
    • Veteran welfare

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EXERCISE

  • Strengthens internal security architecture
  • Enhances civil–military trust and coordination
  • Improves readiness for non-traditional security threats
  • Supports disaster management and humanitarian assistance
  • Reflects evolving role of the Army beyond conventional warfare
INDIAN ARMY COMMANDS The Indian Army is divided into seven commands:
  1. Northern Command – Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir
  2. Western Command – Chandimandir, Haryana
  3. Eastern Command – Kolkata, West Bengal
  4. Southern Command – Pune, Maharashtra
  5. Central Command – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
  6. South Western Command – Jaipur, Rajasthan
  7. Army Training Command (ARTRAC) – Shimla, Himachal Pradesh