CHENNAI: A significant initiative aimed at enhancing the maritime security of the nation commenced with a two-day nationwide exercise known as Sea Vigil, which began on Wednesday and will continue until Thursday. This exercise is being overseen by the Indian Navy, specifically from the TN and Puducherry Naval area headquarters, and marks the fourth iteration of this crucial national coastal security drill.
Spanning the extensive 11,098 kilometers of India’s coastline, Sea Vigil involves the collaboration of six central ministries, along with 21 Central and State agencies and various key stakeholders integral to the country’s maritime security framework. Coordinated meetings with stakeholders in Tamil Nadu have been taking place since October 2024, emphasizing proactive engagement ahead of the exercise.
The primary objective of Sea Vigil 24 is to enhance the security of India’s coastal assets, which encompass critical infrastructure such as ports, oil rigs, and cable landing stations, along with addressing vulnerable areas (VAs) and vulnerable points (VPs). Notably, this year’s exercise includes participation from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, underscoring a significant integrated approach to coastal and maritime security.
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Since the devastating Mumbai attacks on November 26, 2008, the Indian Navy has assumed the role of the lead agency for maritime security. The Sea Vigil 24 exercise is seen as a crucial measure to ensure effective coordination among various Central and State security agencies, aimed at fortifying coastal defense.
In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Indian Navy has reached out to over 2,000 students, including those from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Scouts, through maritime security awareness programs. Additionally, the Navy has conducted extensive Coastal Defence and Security Readiness evaluations at 51 locations and organized maritime awareness sessions across more than 60 sites. This comprehensive effort has been bolstered by significant cooperation from local agencies, such as the Coastal Security Group of the Tamil Nadu Police, alongside entities from the fisheries, forest, customs departments, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
As the exercise unfolds, the emphasis on collaboration and readiness illustrates India’s commitment to safeguarding its vast and vital maritime territories against potential threats.
