The Indian Navy on Wednesday launched the first phase of the fourth edition of the pan-India coastal defence exercise “Sea Vigil-24”. The two-day exercise will conclude on Thursday. The exercise is being conducted with the engagement of six ministries and 21 organisations and agencies — an unparalleled move in terms of both geographical reach and participation.
The Indian Navy exercise to secure India’s maritime borders involves participation from multiple agencies, including the National Security Council Secretariat officials, state marine police, coast guards, customs and fisheries. Besides this, the Coastal Defence & Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) is a phase of this exercise, conducted by Naval Officer-in-charges of all coastal states and Union Territories. The participation from the Indian Army and Air Force would add to the tempo of this exercise.
This exercise aims at strengthening various coastal assets such as ports, oil rigs, single-point moorings, cable landing points and critical coastal infrastructure including the coastal population.
Following the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai in 2008, when Pakistani terrorists entered India’s financial capital through sea route and killed more than 160 people before they were eliminated by security forces, the Indian Navy has stepped its vigil on the shores and the high sea.
This exercise by the Indian Navy is part of the security check on India’s maritime borders with the aim of improving measures required to support the coastal defence. This year, the Sea Vigil-24 aims to cover 11,098km of coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.4 square kilometres, including the complete coastal security infrastructure and all the maritime stakeholders.
This exercise aims to raise awareness amongst coastal communities about maritime security and includes involvement of fishing communities, coastal populace, NCC students and Bharat Scouts and guides.
The coastal states and maritime security agencies undertake regular coastal security exercises to evaluate the mechanism and know its strengths and weaknesses. But, the Sea Vigil-24 is a comprehensive exercise to cover India’s maritime and security capabilities.
Besides annual Sea Vigil drills, the Indian Navy conducts the Theatre-Level Readiness Operational Exercise (Tropex) every two years. The Tropex exercise aims to strengthen coastal security, raise awareness among coastal communities, and assess the preparedness of maritime security agencies.
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As India begins Sea Vigil-24 to secure maritime borders, 5 things about coastal defence exercise
