SANJHA SHAKTI EXERCISE

SANJHA SHAKTI EXERCISE

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

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