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The Indian Navy is all set to conduct the fourth edition of the Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise, ‘Sea Vigil-24,’ on November 20-21, 2024. The exercise will be the largest of its kind, both in terms of its geographical reach and the scale of participation, involving six ministries and 21 organizations/agencies.
Overview and Significance of ‘Sea Vigil-24’
The fourth edition of Ex Sea Vigil will be unprecedented in its scope. It will span the entire 11,098 km Indian coastline, along with the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.4 million square kilometers. The exercise will involve participation from the Indian Army, Air Force, the Coast Guard, and other maritime agencies, aimed at strengthening the country’s coastal defence and security framework.
Since October 2024, the Coastal Defence & Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase has been underway, led by the Naval Officer-in-Charges of all coastal states and Union Territories (UTs), including Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This phase involves a comprehensive audit of India’s coastal defence infrastructure, ensuring that all assets are ready to deal with any security challenges. For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will be included in the CDSRE teams, working alongside personnel from the Coast Guard, State Marine Police, Customs, Fisheries, and other relevant agencies.
Focus Areas of the Exercise
Ex Sea Vigil-24 aims to enhance the security of critical coastal infrastructure, including ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings (SPMs), cable landing points, and other vital assets. Additionally, the exercise focuses on the protection of the coastal population. One of the key features of this year’s exercise will be the participation of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, along with the deployment of numerous ships and aircraft, which will significantly enhance the operational tempo of the exercise.
Historical Context and Evolution of Sea Vigil
Sea Vigil was originally conceptualized in 2018, following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, with the aim of improving the country’s coastal defence and security measures. Over the years, the exercise has evolved into a major national-level initiative designed to validate and enhance India’s maritime security strategies. One of the primary objectives of Sea Vigil is to raise awareness among coastal communities about maritime security. This year, the exercise will involve local stakeholders such as the fishing community, coastal populations, and students from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides. Their participation is crucial for spreading awareness and ensuring the safety and security of coastal regions.
Role in India’s Maritime Defence Strategy
While individual coastal states and maritime security agencies conduct their own coastal security exercises, Sea Vigil stands out as a national-level exercise that offers a holistic appraisal of India’s maritime defence and security capabilities. It provides an opportunity to assess the preparedness of all maritime security agencies, identify strengths and weaknesses, and refine the overall coastal defence strategy. Sea Vigil-24 also serves as a precursor to the biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), conducted by the Indian Navy, reinforcing the country’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime boundaries and ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to coastal security.
