NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy is preparing for a significant maritime exercise named ‘Sea Vigil-24’, which will be conducted on November 20 and 21, 2024. This fourth iteration of the ‘Pan-India’ Coastal Defence Exercise marks an ambitious scale, involving an extensive geographical reach and a wide range of participants, consisting of six Ministries and 21 organizations.
The primary objective of Sea Vigil-24 is to bolster the security of various coastal assets, which include vital installations such as ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, Cable Landing Points, and other critical coastal infrastructure that supports local populations. In a statement released by the Navy, officials emphasized that this exercise aims to refine and enhance the overall coastal security framework of the nation in light of evolving maritime threats.
This year’s exercise features notable participation from other armed services, specifically the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, further augmenting the collaborative dimension of the initiative. The planned deployment of a considerable number of ships and aircraft during the exercise is anticipated to elevate its operational tempo and effectiveness.
The execution of Sea Vigil-24 is structured in phases, with the initial phase named the Coastal Defence & Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE). This phase has been ongoing since late October 2024, with Naval Officer-in-Charges of all coastal states and Union Territories, including Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, conducting comprehensive audits of the existing coastal defense and security infrastructure. This thorough assessment is designed to identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure preparedness in safeguarding the nation’s extensive coastline.
As the Indian Navy gears up for this crucial exercise, the collaboration of multiple agencies underscores a unified approach towards maritime security, reflecting the government’s commitment to safeguard its vast coastal territories and vital maritime interests.
