Kochi is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming nationwide Coastal Defence Exercise, dubbed ‘Sea Vigil 2024,’ as the Southern Naval Command coordinates efforts in Kerala and Lakshadweep this week. The fourth edition of this critical exercise will be supervised by Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, who holds the positions of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command and Commander-in-Chief of Coastal Defence (South).
This biennial operation will see collaboration from a broad spectrum of agencies, with participation from 16 different Central and State organizations. The Indian Navy, alongside the Coast Guard, Kerala Police, Marine Enforcement Wing of the Fisheries Department, the Department of Shipping, Ports and Waterways, CISF, BSF, DGLL (Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships), Customs, the Intelligence Bureau, NCC, and others, will engage in joint activities. Notably, this year marks the NCC’s inaugural participation, reflecting an expanded approach to coastal defense efforts.
Originally established in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the ‘Sea Vigil’ exercise aims to assess and enhance the coastal defense response capabilities along India’s extensive coastline. The primary focus of this iteration of the exercise is on bolstering the security of vital coastal assets, which include ports, oil rigs, single point moorings, cable landing points, and other critical infrastructure that supports coastal populations.
To facilitate the exercise, five ships and aircraft from the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and various allied agencies will take part. Through these coordinated efforts, officials aim to validate and improve the strategies necessary to safeguard against maritime threats and strengthen the overarching framework of coastal security in India.
