Army Launches Exercise Samanvay Shakti to Enhance Civil-Military Cooperation

The Indian Army has initiated a significant military-civil integration effort with the launch of Exercise Samanvay Shakti 2025. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between security forces and civilian institutions in Assam and Manipur. The exercise commenced on August 16, 2023, at Laipuli in the Tinsukia district, representing a strategic approach to the region’s multifaceted security and development challenges.

The senior Army official overseeing the initiative remarked, “This exercise represents a paradigm shift in how we approach regional challenges. By bringing together military and civilian stakeholders on a single platform, we are creating synergies that will benefit both security preparedness and community development.” This statement underscores the exercise’s dual focus on enhancing security capabilities while promoting local development.

A diverse range of organizations is participating in the exercise, including the Indian Army, district administrations, police forces, intelligence agencies, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), medical teams, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), Railways, educational institutions, and security personnel from prominent industrial players such as Oil India Limited (OIL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and Coal India Limited.

Enhancing Operational Readiness and Community Trust

A parallel exercise in Manipur is scheduled from August 20 to 30, 2023. This segment will address critical areas including disaster management, healthcare, education, public works, forest conservation, narcotics control, irrigation, road safety, and employment opportunities in the Armed Forces. Over a span of ten days, the exercise seeks to improve operational readiness, enhance communication channels, and refine standard operating procedures through practical rehearsals.

Special attention is being given to strengthening coordination among state police, Army units, and paramilitary forces. Additionally, the initiative aligns with Operation Sadbhavna, the Army’s flagship community outreach program aimed at fostering goodwill and trust within local populations.

The senior Army official emphasized, “Exercise Samanvay Shakti 2025 seeks to deepen the bond of trust between the people of Upper Assam and Manipur and the institutions that serve them. It is a vital step toward bolstering security, promoting development, and reinforcing national integration.”

This exercise not only reflects the Army’s commitment to addressing security and development issues but also illustrates a broader strategy of integrating military efforts with civilian actions to create a more cohesive approach to regional challenges. The collaboration aims to ensure that both security and community development are prioritized, ultimately benefiting the residents of Assam and Manipur.

As this initiative progresses, it will be essential to monitor its impact on civil-military relations and regional stability. The outcomes of Exercise Samanvay Shakti 2025 could set a precedent for future collaborations between military forces and civilian institutions in various parts of the country.