Gujarat Hosts Exercise For Military Civil Fusion Goals
Newz Daddy Defence Updates
In a significant step towards strengthening Military-Civil Fusion (MCF), the Indian Army, in collaboration with various civil organisations, paramilitary forces, security forces and academia, organised Exercise Suraksha Samnvay 2025 in Gandhinagar from
22 September to 27 September 2025. The events witnessed active participation from the Indian Army, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Railways, CRPF, BSF, CISF, NDRF, SDRF, Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Silver Oak University, Ahmedabad, Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration & NCC, showcasing the collective strength of civil and military organisations working together for national preparedness.
Key highlights of exercise are as follows:-
Firstly, the participants were oriented with the organisational structure of the Indian Army, roles and contribution in nation-building. A lecture on ‘Operation Sindoor’ was also delivered to the participants, highlighting precision strike on strategic targets by the Indian Armed Forces to achieve national objectives while retaining control of the escalatory matrix.
The Indian Army has in recent years emphasised civil-military fusion, a concept where civilian institutions and military entities coordinate more deeply in planning, logistics, governance, and crisis response. This approach helps reduce duplication and improve rapid responses in emergencies. (From a “roadmap for civil-military fusion in India” study.)
Also, precision operations like “Operation Sindoor” (while not widely publicised in open sources) reflect evolving doctrines where the armed forces aim to maintain credibility, minimise collateral damage, and calibrate responses within accepted norms.
Indian Coast Guard educated the audience on its role, tasks, capabilities and contribution towards nation building. The importance of coastal security mechanisms, maritime surveillance, and inter-agency cooperation during emergencies was highlighted by representatives of ICG.
The Indian Coast Guard is key to guarding India’s long coastline, maritime zones, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It works closely with the Navy, Customs, and state agencies in anti-smuggling, search and rescue, pollution control, and disaster relief. In recent years, it has expanded its fleet with fast patrol vessels and drones for surveillance. Strengthening inter-agency cooperation ensures that in events like cyclones or maritime threats, civilian agencies and military/naval bodies respond in sync.
Representatives of Indian Railways, led by the Divisional Commercial Manager, Ahmedabad Division, highlighted its critical role in strategic mobility, rapid troop deployment, and logistic support during operational requirements. Railways have always been vital in Indian military logistics — moving men, arms, ammunition, and supplies over long distances quickly. In crises (for example, in flood zones or along northern borders), special troop trains are mobilised. Indian Railways also maintains “military siding” tracks and special protocols for defence movement. Their role in “strategic mobility” is now being looked at more deeply under civil–military fusion, so that rail infrastructure planning factors in security needs.
Cyber Security Specialist from National Forensic Science University (NFSU) delivered a lecture on Cyber Warfare, highlighting digital resilience, cyber threat mitigation and safeguarding national information infrastructure through civil–military collaboration.
Cyber warfare is a rising front of conflict, where states, non-state actors, and hackers can try to penetrate critical infrastructure — power grids, communications, and banking systems. Universities like NFSU bring technical expertise, forensics, threat analysis, and training to detect and counter attacks. Collaboration means the military shares threat intelligence, and civilian institutions provide domain knowledge and resilience techniques. NFSU, as an institute of national importance, already works with agencies in forensic science and cybersecurity.
NDRF delivered an impactful lecture on disaster management, community resilience, and synergy between armed forces and civil response agencies during natural and man-made emergencies.
The NDRF is India’s primary disaster response agency (created under the Disaster Management Act, 2005). It specialises in search and rescue operations during floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. Military forces often support the NDRF in remote areas, providing heavy machinery, medical assistance, and transportation. Joint training ensures quicker, coordinated responses, reducing loss of life and property in disasters. The concept of synergy means roles are preplanned, communication lines are clear, and trust exists among agencies.
Displayed indigenous innovations, cutting-edge systems and collaborative projects with the Armed Forces underlining India’s drive towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.
Over the past decade, India has pushed “Make in India” in defence: promoting domestic design, development, and production of weapons, drones, radars, ammunition, etc. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private firms are increasingly partnering with the Army and other services for co-development, testing, and trials. Such displays during events help the civilian industry get exposure to military needs, which helps streamline procurement cycles and local manufacturing.
Civil participants, including students, industry professionals and representatives from civil administration, visited the Army camp at Gandhinagar, where they interacted with soldiers, gained insights into military life and got glimpses of selected weapons and equipment of the Indian Army. It gave participants a first-hand understanding of Army capabilities. The participants got an opportunity to carry out rock climbing, slithering and firing practice inside the Army camp in Gandhinagar. These activities were aimed at fostering camaraderie, leadership skills, and trust between the Armed Forces and civilians.
Inviting civilians (especially youth and students) into military camps builds awareness, breaks myths, and encourages mutual respect. Adventure activities like rock climbing, slinging (rappelling), and supervised firing help participants appreciate physical fitness, discipline, and shared risk. Such exposure may inspire youth to consider careers in defence or public service. It also humanises the armed forces to the general public.
These events reinforced the importance of Military-Civil fusion, blending operational readiness with civilian expertise and industrial innovation. By combining presentations, lectures, camp visits, and adventure activities, the functions provided an immersive platform for collaboration, awareness, and inspiration. Such engagements not only strengthen national security preparedness but also build bonds of trust and mutual respect between the Armed Forces and society at large.
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