Indian Navy Conducts Largest Coastal Defence Exercise, ‘Sea Vigil-24’ (GS Paper 3, Defence)
Overview
- The Indian Navy will conduct the fourth edition of its largest-ever coastal defence exercise, Sea Vigil-24, on November 20 and 21, 2024.
- This year’s exercise will span the entire coastline of India and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), marking a significant milestone in strengthening the nation’s maritime security.
- With unprecedented participation from multiple government ministries, defense agencies, and local stakeholders, Sea Vigil-24 aims to enhance India's readiness to safeguard its extensive coastal infrastructure and mitigate maritime security threats.
Key Details
- Event Name: Sea Vigil-24
- Dates: November 20-21, 2024
- Scope: Covers India's 11,098 km coastline and 2.4 million square km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- Participants: Involves six government ministries, 21 organizations, and multiple defense agencies, including the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Army, Air Force, Marine Police, and others.
- Objective: To assess and strengthen India’s coastal security capabilities, ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure and readiness against maritime threats.
Key Highlights of Sea Vigil-24
National Participation:
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- For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will join the exercise’s Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase, marking a higher level of inter-agency collaboration.
- A range of state and federal agencies—including the State Marine Police, Indian Coast Guard, Customs, Fisheries, and Ports—will participate alongside military forces.
Comprehensive Readiness Evaluation:
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- The exercise will include a detailed audit and readiness evaluation of coastal defense infrastructure across all coastal states, Union Territories, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- The CDSRE Phase began in October 2024, involving audits of critical infrastructure and systems designed to protect the country’s maritime borders.
Security Focus Areas:
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- The exercise will focus on protecting critical coastal assets such as:
- Ports
- Oil rigs
- Single Point Moorings
- Cable Landing Stations
- Other vital infrastructure necessary for India’s economic and strategic security.
Participation of Armed Forces:
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- The Indian Army and Indian Air Force will provide critical support, deploying ships, aircraft, and personnel to enhance the exercise’s effectiveness.
- The participation of these services will test the joint operational readiness and coordination among the Indian military forces in coastal security.
Involvement of Local Communities:
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- Local fishing communities, residents, and other maritime stakeholders will actively participate in the exercise, highlighting the role of coastal communities in ensuring security.
- Educational initiatives will engage National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides students, raising awareness about the importance of coastal security and the role of local populations in maintaining vigilance.
Wider Scope and Coverage:
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- The exercise will span India’s entire coastline, which stretches for approximately 11,098 km, and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.4 million square km, making it one of the largest maritime security exercises in the world.
- The focus will be on testing and strengthening India’s coastal security framework, ensuring the country’s preparedness to counter any maritime threats, including smuggling, piracy, and terrorism.
Significance of Sea Vigil-24
- Sea Vigil-24 represents an unprecedented level of collaboration and inter-agency coordination.
- By bringing together various arms of the military, law enforcement agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders, the exercise highlights India’s commitment to securing its maritime borders and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
- The exercise also plays a key role in enhancing India’s overall coastal security strategy, ensuring that the country is prepared to tackle both traditional and emerging maritime threats.
- Furthermore, it demonstrates India's ability to quickly mobilize a wide range of resources in the event of a security breach and bolster its defense capabilities to protect its vast coastline and maritime interests.
Conclusion
- As India continues to grow as a maritime power, Sea Vigil-24 serves as a testament to the country’s proactive approach to strengthening its coastal defense and enhancing its maritime security.
- By engaging multiple agencies and communities, the exercise reinforces the idea that coastal security is a collective responsibility, involving not only the military but also local citizens, industries, and government bodies working together for the country’s safety and resilience.
