The Indian Navy is set to inaugurate the 4rth edition of its lead coastal defence exercise, ‘Sea Vigil-24’, on November 20 and 21, 2024. Conceived as a complete evaluation of India’s coastal security foundation, this year’s exercise is assured to be the biggest yet, with participation from six ministries and 21 organizations and agencies.
The Coastal Defence & Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) stage, led by Naval Officer-in-Charges across all coastal states and Union Territories, including Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has been continuing since late October. For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will join Indian Navy-led CDSRE teams beside crew from the State Marine Police, Coast Guard, Customs, Fisheries, and other key participants.
Sea Vigil-24 will prioritize the security of vital coastal assets, including ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, Cable Landing Points, and coastal infrastructure, along with the security of the coastal inhabitants. This year’s edition sees improved participation from the Indian Army and Air Force, as well as the deployment of a substantial number of ships and aircraft, intensifying the training’s scale and impact.
First conceived in 2018 following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Sea Vigil-24 is developed to validate and bolster India’s coastal defence efforts. This year’s exercise will span the country’s entire 11,0098 km coastline and its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.4 million square kilometers, committing all maritime stakeholders, including the fishing community and coastal people. To foster awareness about maritime security, Sea Vigil-24 will also involve fishing communities, students from NCC, and Bharat Scouts and Guides, fostering greater public engagement in coastal defence initiatives.
Unlike regular coastal security drills executed by individual states or agencies, Sea Vigil-24 stands out as a national-level initiative coordinated by the Indian Navy. It offers a thorough inspection of the strengths and weaknesses of India’s maritime security apparatus while serving as a precursor to the Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), conducted biennially by the Navy. Sea Vigil-24 underscores India’s oath to safeguarding its maritime boundaries and guaranteeing seamless coordination among all stakeholders. This large-scale exercise remains a mainstay of the country’s efforts to strengthen maritime security and defence. (PR)