India's Coastlines on High Alert as Navy Launches 'Sea Vigil-24' Defence Drill

New Delhi: The Indian Navy will conduct the fourth edition of the nationwide coastal defence exercise, ‘Sea Vigil-24,’ on November 20-21, 2024. This large-scale exercise will involve multiple government agencies and services, including the Indian Army, Air Force, and over 21 organizations and six ministries.

Covering the entire 11,098 km coastline and the extensive 2.4 million square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), ‘Sea Vigil-24’ will strengthen India’s coastal security framework. For the first time, National Security Council Secretariat officials will participate alongside coastal defence teams from various states and union territories, including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

The exercise will focus on safeguarding critical coastal assets such as ports, oil rigs, cable landing points, and other infrastructure. It will feature the deployment of a large number of ships and aircraft, adding momentum to India’s coastal defence efforts. Coastal communities, including fishermen and students from the NCC and Bharat Scouts and Guides, will also engage in activities to boost awareness about maritime security.

Originally conceptualized in 2018 to enhance coastal security measures following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, ‘Sea Vigil’ aims to assess and improve India’s readiness against potential threats. The exercise serves as a prelude to the Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), another significant naval operation. By providing a comprehensive assessment of India’s coastal defence infrastructure, ‘Sea Vigil-24’ reinforces the nation’s commitment to maritime security and strengthens coordination across various defence and security agencies.