Indian Army Completes Sanyukt Vimochan 2024 A Key Disaster Relief Exercise

The Indian Army successfully conducted the “Sanyukt Vimochan 2024,” a Multilateral Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, in Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat, on November 18-19, 2024. The exercise showcased India’s readiness and collaborative capabilities for disaster response and was attended by various national and international agencies, including the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi. 

Key Highlights

Dates and Locations

• 18-19 November 2024
• Locations: Ahmedabad (Tabletop Exercise) and Porbandar (Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration)

Participants and Attendees

• Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi
• Representatives from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), Meteorological Department, and FICCI
• Indian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard
• Other agencies: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
• 15 Senior Officials from Nine Friendly Foreign Countries (Gulf Cooperation Council, Indian Ocean Region, Southeast Asia)

Key Objectives of the Exercise

• Improve Coordination among various disaster response agencies.
• Enhance Logistics and Rapid Response for disaster management.
• Address Interagency Gaps in coordination and communication.
• Demonstrate Self-Reliance in disaster response through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Day 1 – Tabletop Exercise (TTX)

• Theme: ‘Cyclone in the Coastal Region of Gujarat.’
• Scenario: Simulation of a cyclone affecting the Okha-Porbandar coastline.
• Focus: Brainstorming strategies for disaster relief and improving interagency cooperation.
• Attendees: NDMA, Armed Forces, State Authorities, Central Government Agencies, Industry Representatives, and Foreign Delegates.

Day 2 – Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration:

• Location: Chowpatty Beach, Porbandar.

Demonstration Activities

• Requisition for Armed Forces from civil administration.
• Multi-Agency Surveillance of the affected area.
• Rescue Operations including casualty evacuation and use of military assets.
• Resuscitation and Rehabilitation of affected civilians.

Participating Agencies

• Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NDRF, SDRF, and other Central & State agencies.

Industrial Display

• Display of indigenous disaster response technology by Indian defense industries.
• Highlighting India’s commitment to self-reliance in disaster management, in alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

International Collaboration

• Delegates from nine foreign countries participated, fostering global knowledge exchange in disaster management.
• The exercise emphasized India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the “World as One Family.”

Key Takeaways from the Exercise

• Enhanced India’s national disaster response capabilities.
• Strengthened regional and international partnerships in disaster management.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of joint military-civil coordination in disaster relief.
• Showcased India’s leadership in global humanitarian efforts and commitment to sustainable disaster management strategies.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Indian Army Completes ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’
Locations	Ahmedabad (Tabletop Exercise), Porbandar (Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration)
Organizers	Indian Army (Konark Corps of Southern Command)
Theme of TTX	Cyclone in the Coastal Region of Gujarat
Key Objectives	– Improve coordination among agencies – Enhance logistics & rapid response – Address interagency gaps – Promote self-reliance in disaster response
Day 1 (18 Nov)	– Tabletop Exercise simulating cyclone disaster – Focus on disaster relief strategies and interagency cooperation – Attended by NDMA, GSDMA, Armed Forces, and Foreign Delegates
Day 2 (19 Nov)	– Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration at Porbandar – Activities: Rescue operations, casualty evacuation, rehabilitation – Involvement of Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NDRF, SDRF
Industrial Display	Showcased indigenous disaster response technology by Indian defense industries
International Participation	Delegates from nine foreign countries (Gulf Cooperation Council, Indian Ocean Region, Southeast Asia)
Significant Outcome	Strengthened India’s national disaster response and global humanitarian efforts, with a focus on collaboration and technological innovation in disaster management
Key Phrase	“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World as One Family)
Future Impact	Enhanced global dialogue on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), bolstered disaster response capabilities.