The Indian Navy is set to embark on a major Coastal Defence Exercise named ‘Sea Vigil-24’ on November 20 and 21, with participation from six ministries and 21 agencies aimed at bolstering security measures along the country’s extensive coastline. This major drill will focus on protecting critical coastal assets such as ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, Cable Landing Points, and other essential infrastructure crucial for the coastal population.
Designed to enhance and validate the measures put into place following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, this year’s Sea Vigil stands out for its unprecedented scale and reach. Covering a massive 11,098 kilometers of coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.4 million square kilometers, the exercise will fully engage the coastal security infrastructure, involving various maritime stakeholders, including local fishing communities and residents along the coast.
This marks the fourth edition of the Sea Vigil initiative, which was first conceptualized in 2018. The ongoing Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase has been underway since October 24, guided by Naval Officer-in-Charges from all coastal states and Union Territories, including Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This phase involves a comprehensive audit of the coastal defence and security infrastructure.
For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will be participating in the Indian Navy-led CDSRE teams, along with personnel from the State Marine Police, Coast Guard, Customs, and Fisheries departments. The active involvement of other branches of the armed forces, such as the Indian Army and Air Force, along with a planned deployment of a substantial number of ships and aircraft, marks a significant enhancement to the exercise.
A pivotal goal of the exercise is to foster awareness within coastal communities regarding their role in maritime security. Notably, the inclusion of local fishing communities, residents, and youth organizations such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides aims to elevate the overall understanding and capability of local populations in securing coastal areas.
While individual coastal states and maritime security agencies regularly conduct their own security exercises, Sea Vigil stands as a national initiative that offers a comprehensive assessment of India’s maritime security landscape. A Navy official emphasized that this exercise provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate the preparedness of all maritime security agencies, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and improve the nation’s overall maritime defence framework.
As a precursor to the biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), Sea Vigil-24 is set to play an integral role in reinforcing India’s dedication to protecting its maritime boundaries while promoting cooperative efforts across all stakeholders involved in coastal defence.
