- Army-led initiative in Gujarat brings together armed forces, civil administration, academia, and disaster agencies to build a unified framework for security, preparedness, and nation-building
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, OCT 9
In a major step towards strengthening Military–Civil Fusion (MCF) — a key pillar in enhancing India’s comprehensive national security — 11 RAPID (H), in collaboration with various Gujarat Government departments, Central Armed Police Forces, paramilitary units, and academic institutions, successfully conducted Exercise SURAKSHA SAMNVAY 2025 in Gandhinagar from September 22 to October 8, 2025.
The multi-agency exercise saw active participation from the Indian Army, Indian Coast Guard, CRPF, BSF, CISF, and several civil and state organizations, including Indian Railways, NDRF, SDRF, and State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). Prominent academic partners included Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Silver Oak University, and the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA).
The exercise served as an integrated platform for coordination, interoperability, and trust-building between defence and civil institutions — reinforcing that national security is a shared responsibility requiring synchronized efforts across domains.
Officials said the exercise focused on several key objectives, including:
- Strengthening Military–Civil Fusion through structured engagement and knowledge sharing.
- Capacity building and technological linkages with academia and industry.
- Enhanced disaster preparedness and response coordination.
- Integration of Indian Railways in strategic mobilisation.
- Societal engagement and veteran welfare initiatives.
By fostering collaboration between the armed forces, civil administration, and knowledge institutions, Exercise SURAKSHA SAMNVAY 2025 demonstrated how a “Whole-of-Nation” approach can enhance India’s readiness in the face of evolving security and humanitarian challenges.
The event reaffirmed that Military–Civil Fusion is not merely a concept but a necessity — enabling faster coordination, improved resilience, and collective national capability in defence, disaster response, and development.
