Sagar Kavach 2024: Coastal Security Exercise in Lakshadweep Islands (GS Paper 3, Defence), 7 April
Why in news?
- A two-day coastal security exercise called Sagar Kavach 01/24 was conducted off the Lakshadweep Islands from April 1-2, 2024.
- The exercise involved the participation of all maritime security agencies, including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Fisheries, Customs, and other security agencies.
Objectives and Outcomes
- The primary objective of the exercise was to validate the effectiveness of the coastal security mechanism in dealing with asymmetric threats emanating from the sea.
- The exercise witnessed enhanced preparedness, response mechanisms, surveillance capabilities, and coordination among the various coastal security stakeholders.
Participation and Assets Engaged
- During the exercise, a wide range of assets from the participating agencies were engaged.
- This included assets from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Fisheries, Customs, and other security agencies.
- The exercise provided an opportunity to test and validate the effectiveness of the coastal security framework in the Lakshadweep region.
Significance of the Exercise
- The Sagar Kavach 01/24 exercise is crucial for strengthening the country’s coastal security.
- It helps to identify any gaps or areas for improvement in the existing mechanisms and ensures that the maritime security agencies are well-prepared to address any potential threats.
- The enhanced coordination and cooperation among the stakeholders during the exercise also contribute to the overall effectiveness of the coastal security framework.
Conclusion
- The successful conduct of the Sagar Kavach 2024 exercise in the Lakshadweep Islands is a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and ensuring the security of its coastal regions.
