New Delhi is gearing up for a significant pan-India coastal defence exercise, ‘Exercise Sea Vigil,’ scheduled for November 20-21. This initiative, spearheaded by the Indian Navy, aims to assess the current preparedness of all maritime security agencies operating along India’s extensive coastline. The exercise will not only identify the strengths and weaknesses of these agencies but also enhance the overall maritime defence framework of the nation.
Originally conceptualised in 2018 in response to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, ‘Exercise Sea Vigil’ has evolved into a comprehensive evaluation tool for bolstering coastal security. This year’s iteration marks the fourth edition of the exercise and promises unprecedented scale, featuring increased participation from various servicemen, including the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The exercise will involve a significant deployment of ships and aircraft, marking an escalation in operational tempo compared to previous drills.
The exercise encompasses a broad geographical expanse, engaging six ministries and 21 organisations and agencies, making it a national-level initiative. Unlike routine coastal security drills conducted by individual states or agencies, ‘Exercise Sea Vigil’ provides a holistic appraisal of India’s maritime security capabilities, thereby playing a pivotal role in national defence.
As part of the exercise, the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase is currently underway. Naval officer-in-charges of all coastal states and Union Territories, including Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, are conducting thorough audits of the coastal defence and security infrastructure. This year marks a notable addition to the exercise, as officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will join the Indian Navy-led CDSRE teams for the first time, collaborating with various personnel from state marine police, the coast guard, customs, and fisheries.
The focus of ‘Exercise Sea Vigil’ will include strengthening the security of critical coastal assets such as ports, oil rigs, single-point moorings, cable landing points, and other essential infrastructure that sustains coastal populations. With India boasting an impressive 11,098-km coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.4 million square kilometres, the exercise will engage the entire coastal security infrastructure and all maritime stakeholders, including local fishing communities and residents living along the coast.
One of the key objectives of the exercise is to raise awareness among coastal communities regarding maritime security. The involvement of local fishing communities, the coastal populace, and students from organizations such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the Bharat Scouts and Guides will add enthusiasm and a community-oriented approach to the exercise.
Moreover, ‘Exercise Sea Vigil’ serves as a precursor to the Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), which is conducted biennially by the Indian Navy. It stands as a vital measure in reinforcing India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime boundaries and ensuring that all stakeholders in coastal defence collaborate effectively. The exercise underscores the importance of collective efforts in maintaining security and preparedness in India’s maritime domain.
