The Indian Army recently conducted Exercise Sanjha Shakti, a joint Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) exercise focused on enhancing coordination between the armed forces and civilian agencies in dealing with complex security challenges, disaster response, and emergency situations. The exercise took place from 8-9 January 2026 at the Diggi Hills Range, Khadki Military Station in Maharashtra, under the supervision of the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area of the Southern Command of the Indian Army.
What Is Sanjha Shakti?
Exercise Sanjha Shakti is a joint Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) drill designed to test and improve interoperability, communication, and rapid response capabilities among military units and civilian authorities. The drill involved simulated scenarios to validate joint planning, decision-making mechanisms, and coordinated action in both security and emergency environments.
Unlike conventional military exercises, Sanjha Shakti emphasised civil-military integration, recognising that modern internal security challenges and disaster situations often require seamless cooperation between the Army and civilian agencies. This approach reflects the Indian Army’s broader emphasis on whole-of-government response mechanisms in rear areas and during crises.
Participation and Missions
The exercise saw involvement from both Army personnel and 16 key civilian organisations, including:
- Maharashtra Police
- Force One (elite counter-terrorism police unit)
- Fire and Emergency Services
- Other disaster response and public safety agencies
More than 350 personnel from these civilian agencies participated alongside the Army, reflecting a broad-based approach to coordinated action.
Key Focus Areas
Exercise Sanjha Shakti covered multiple mission-oriented components:
Interoperability and Communication
Realistic scenarios tested communication links and information exchange mechanisms between military and civil control centres, ensuring that messages are passed efficiently during crises.
Rapid Response and Decision Making
Scenarios involving hypothetical emergency situations; such as security incidents and natural disasters were simulated to evaluate the speed and effectiveness of joint decision processes and operational planning.
Disaster and Public Safety Preparedness
The exercise incorporated elements of internal security and disaster management, validating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), command protocols, and resource deployment strategies across agencies.
Strategic Importance
Civil–military fusion exercises like Sanjha Shakti are increasingly important for India’s overall security architecture, especially given evolving threats that blend internal instability, natural disasters, and large-scale emergencies. The exercise helps:
- Improve communication and institutional familiarity between military and civilian leadership
- Streamline decision-making under pressure
- Enhance public safety and disaster response capabilities
- Build a culture of seamless cooperation during crises and emergencies in rear areas across the region
Closing Thoughts
Exercise Sanjha Shakti underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to not only conventional defence readiness but also whole-of-government preparedness for complex security and civil contingency scenarios. By integrating civilian agencies into military planning and response, the Army continues to refine its approach to national security, making India more resilient and responsive in times of crisis.