Maharashtra Strengthens Civil-Military Coordination Amid India-Pakistan Tensions: CM Fadnavis and DCM Shinde Emphasise Vigilance
Mumbai, 12th May 2025: Amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a high-level security meeting with top officials from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force at his official residence, Varsha, in Mumbai on Monday. The meeting, attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, focused on enhancing civil-military coordination to bolster the state’s preparedness against potential threats, especially in sensitive areas like Mumbai, India’s financial capital.
The session brought together senior defence officials, including Lt. General Pawan Chaddha, Rear Admiral Anil Jaggi, Air Vice Marshal Rajat Mohan, and representatives from critical institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Stock Exchange, Anti-Terrorism Squad, and senior state administration officials. The core agenda centred on intelligence sharing, upgrading surveillance technology, and strengthening cybersecurity protocols to counter evolving security challenges.
Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted the significance of Mumbai’s security, stating, “Mumbai is not just a city – it is India’s financial heartbeat. Any threat to it directly attacks the country’s economic foundation. Intelligence sharing and cyber vigilance are now central to our defence strategy. We must work with full strength and absolute unity”.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reiterated the need for constant vigilance despite easing border tensions. “Though tensions between India and Pakistan have subsided, the threat to India has not disappeared. The state government is making every effort to keep Maharashtra’s borders secure, working closely with the armed forces,” Shinde said. He added, “A nodal officer will be appointed to ensure seamless coordination. Mumbai is repeatedly targeted, so monitoring and investigation of such threats are crucial. I commend all three armed forces for their robust response at the borders. Pakistan must now act responsibly and cease its disruptive activities against India”.
The meeting also addressed the necessity for a faster coordination mechanism between the state and defence forces, with discussions on appointing nodal officers for more effective collaboration. Fadnavis emphasised, “Proactive collaboration between the state and the defence forces is no longer optional, it is essential. The state is expected to soon implement an upgraded coordination framework based on the outcomes of this meeting”.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, participated in the discussions, signalling a unified approach to public safety and national security. The Maharashtra government’s renewed focus on civil-military coordination underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and critical infrastructure in the face of persistent regional threats.
