Indian Navy Launches Nationwide Maritime Security Exercise Sea Vigil-26

New Delhi, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : India is set to conduct a significant maritime security exercise, ‘Sea Vigil-26’, from November 11 to 19. This event, which marks the fifth iteration of the coastal security drill, is aimed at assessing the security of the nation’s maritime boundaries. Led by the Indian Navy, the nine-day exercise will encompass the entire coastline and the exclusive economic zone of the country. The initiative was first launched in 2018.

The exercise was conceived in response to the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which highlighted the need for enhanced maritime security measures. ‘Sea Vigil’ aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these security protocols and test the nation’s readiness to defend its maritime borders. Participation includes all coastal states and union territories, alongside the Indian Navy, the Coast Guard, coastal police forces, customs departments, and other maritime agencies. Fishermen and residents of coastal areas will also be involved in the exercise.

‘Sea Vigil-26’ is being conducted in two phases. The first phase runs from November 11 to 17, focusing on assessing coastal defense and security preparedness. The second phase, taking place on November 18 and 19, will involve maritime operations, testing security arrangements and coordination among various agencies. This year’s exercise is particularly extensive in terms of geographical reach, participating agencies, and security objectives.

The Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying are all collaborating to ensure the exercise’s success. Agencies from coastal states and union territories will also play an active role.

A key objective of the exercise is to evaluate the coordination and rapid response capabilities among different security agencies. ‘Sea Vigil’ is part of the Indian Navy’s biennial theater-level operational readiness exercise, ‘TROPEX’. While ‘Sea Vigil’ assesses challenges related to coastal security, ‘TROPEX’ focuses on military operations extending into the open sea.

Together, these exercises provide a comprehensive evaluation of maritime security challenges from coastal areas to the high seas. ‘Sea Vigil-26’ offers an opportunity for a national-level review of the country’s maritime security and coastal defense preparedness. It will assess how well various agencies are equipped to respond to potential threats along maritime borders and the effectiveness of their coordination. Insights gained from this exercise will contribute to strengthening India’s maritime security framework.