Military-Civil Fusion In India Gets A Big Push In Gujarat
Newz Daddy Defence Updates
In a significant step towards strengthening Military-Civil Fusion (MCF), 11 RAPID (H) in collaboration with various Gujarat Government Civil Organisations, Central Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Security Forces, and Academia had organised Exercise SURAKSHA SAMNVAY 2025 in Gandhinagar from 22 Sep 25 to 08 Oct 25.
This large-scale exercise was held over more than two weeks, showing how important coordination between military and civil agencies has become in modern security. Gandhinagar, being the administrative capital of Gujarat and home to several key security and academic institutions, was chosen as the venue to bring together different stakeholders. Military-Civil Fusion is a concept increasingly being used across the world, especially in countries like India, where military resources and civil infrastructure need to work hand in hand during emergencies and national development activities.
In addition to the Indian Army, active participation was witnessed from security forces, including the Indian Coast Guard, CRPF, BSF, CISF, Government Departments/ agencies, including Indian Railways, NDRF, SDRF, NCC and academia from renowned institutions like Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Silver Oak University and Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA).
The involvement of such a wide range of agencies reflects how security in modern times is no longer the responsibility of the armed forces alone. The Indian Coast Guard plays a key role in maritime security. CRPF and BSF are crucial for internal security and border protection, while CISF is responsible for guarding critical infrastructure such as airports, metros, and industrial zones. The participation of Indian Railways is strategic because railways are vital for quick troop movement and logistics during national emergencies. The NDRF and SDRF are first responders in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones. NCC cadets often act as support volunteers during such events, helping maintain order and assisting civilians.
The academic institutions add intellectual and technical strength. Rashtriya Raksha University focuses on internal security and policing. NFSU is known for its forensic science expertise. Silver Oak University contributes with its engineering and technology background, while SPIPA plays a major role in training future administrators. Their combined knowledge helps bridge the gap between military operations and civil administration.
The event proved to be an excellent platform for interaction, understanding and synergy between security forces and civil administration.
These types of exercises create opportunities for officers, students, and personnel to interact in real scenarios. Instead of working separately, agencies get to understand each other’s methods and limitations. This mutual understanding becomes crucial during emergencies like terror attacks, disasters, or major public events where many agencies must work together quickly and smoothly.
The participation of other state agencies like SEOC and State Disaster Relief forces was a facet added to the event by efforts and coordination by the Gujarat State Civil Administration.
SEOC (State Emergency Operation Centre) acts as a central point for managing and monitoring disasters in Gujarat. Its participation ensures that all information flows through a single point, which avoids confusion and duplication during a crisis. Gujarat has faced several disasters in the past, including the 2001 earthquake and repeated cyclones. So, the state has built strong disaster response systems. Involving SEOC and SDRF shows that this exercise was not only about security but also about disaster preparedness and public safety.
This exercise aimed to strengthen military and civil relations through structured interactions, exposure visits and collaborative discussions, thereby deepening trust, enhancing understanding of respective responsibilities and promoting coordinated efforts towards nation building.
Trust between military and civil agencies is built through constant communication, training, and shared experiences. Exposure visits allow civilian administrators and students to see how military units function. Collaborative discussions give space to solve operational problems together. These interactions build confidence, reduce hesitation during emergencies, and improve response times.
A clear scope of the exercise was laid out as Strengthening Military-Civil Fusion, Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing, Technological Exposure and Industry Linkages, Disaster Preparation and Coordination, Integration of Indian Railways in Strategic Mobilisation, Societal Integration & Veteran Welfare.
The structured scope shows the long-term vision of Military-Civil Fusion in India. Capacity building ensures that every stakeholder is trained. Knowledge sharing connects military expertise with civilian innovation. Technological exposure and industry linkages highlight how private industries and academic institutions can contribute through drones, cybersecurity tools, and communication technologies. Disaster preparation makes agencies ready for real-life emergencies. Integration of railways shows planning for mobility at a national scale. Finally, societal integration and veteran welfare highlight that this initiative is not just about defence but also about contributing to the larger community.
