Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth GOC-in-C Southern Command Meets CM Fadnavis to Discuss Key Initiatives in Maharashtra for Civil-Defence Cooperation

Mumbai, India – In a significant step towards bolstering civil-military cooperation, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army’s Southern Command, met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis as part of the Apex Level Military-Civil Fusion Interaction. The high-level meeting, held in Mumbai, focused on enhancing coordination across critical areas such as internal security, disaster response, veteran welfare, and civil-defence collaboration.

Key Discussions and Outcomes

The discussions underscored the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to fostering military-civil integration for the safety and resilience of Maharashtra. Key highlights included:

• Internal Security & Civil-Defence Cooperation: Both leaders emphasized the need for seamless coordination between the armed forces and state agencies to address security challenges.
• Disaster Response Preparedness: Strategies were reviewed to ensure rapid and efficient disaster management, leveraging the Army’s expertise in crisis situations.
• Veteran Welfare Initiatives: Lt Gen Seth and CM Fadnavis deliberated on measures to improve healthcare and support systems for ex-servicemen and Veer Naris (war widows).
• Sujata Saunik, Chief Secretary of Maharashtra was also present during this meeting.

Review of Operational Readiness & Infrastructure

Prior to the meeting, Lt Gen Seth visited the Headquarters Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa Area, where he assessed the formation’s operational readiness. He commended the high standards of preparedness and the continuous focus on training and capacity building.

Additionally, the Army Commander inspected the newly established Section Hospital and Integrated Veterans Complex, key facilities designed to enhance medical care and welfare services for veterans. His interactions with the ex-servicemen community reinforced the Indian Army’s dedication to their well-being.

Reaffirming Commitment to Military-Civil Synergy

The meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of the Indian Army and the Maharashtra government to strengthen military-civil fusion across all engagement domains. Such interactions play a pivotal role in ensuring coordinated efforts for the state’s security and development.