Indian Navy Conducts Largest Coastal Defence Exercise: Sea Vigil-24

Introduction

The Indian Navy is set to conduct the fourth edition of Sea Vigil, India’s most extensive coastal defence exercise, from November 20 to 21, 2024. This year’s exercise, Sea Vigil-24, promises to be the largest in scale and scope, covering the country’s vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The event is expected to engage a wide array of stakeholders, including six government ministries, 21 organizations, and a host of defence and security agencies. This exercise underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its coastal security capabilities in an ever-evolving global security environment.

The Objective of Sea Vigil-24

The primary aim of Sea Vigil-24 is to reinforce India’s coastal defence mechanisms, focusing on safeguarding critical coastal infrastructure and testing readiness against potential maritime threats. The exercise serves as a comprehensive review of the country’s maritime security framework, evaluating its strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Key objectives include:

• Enhancing Coastal Security Capabilities: Protecting India’s maritime borders and ensuring robust defence readiness.
• Safeguarding Vital Coastal Infrastructure: Ensuring the security of critical assets, including ports, oil rigs, and communication facilities.
• Readiness Against Maritime Threats: Testing the preparedness of India’s coastal security framework against potential dangers, including illegal infiltration and maritime terrorism.

Scope and Scale of the Exercise

Sea Vigil-24 is set to cover an impressive span of India’s maritime territory. The scale of this year’s exercise makes it unprecedented, with its comprehensive involvement of local and national agencies.

• Total Coastline: 11,098 kilometers
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Extending over 2.4 million square kilometers
• Key Infrastructure: Ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, cable landing points, and other strategic installations

Key Phases and Preparation

Preparation for Sea Vigil-24 began in late October 2024, with the initiation of the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase. This phase involves rigorous audits of coastal defence infrastructure across all coastal states, Union Territories, and key regions like the Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. For the first time, the National Security Council Secretariat will play a pivotal role in the CDSRE phase, signifying an increased focus on strategic maritime security.

Participating Agencies and Stakeholders

The scale of Sea Vigil-24 is highlighted by the diverse participation of numerous defence and security agencies, reflecting a multi-layered approach to coastal security:

• Defence Forces: The Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force will deploy a variety of assets, including ships and aircraft, to provide comprehensive coverage of India’s coastline.
• Coast Guard and Marine Police: These agencies will be at the forefront, patrolling sensitive zones and responding to simulated threats.
• Customs and Fisheries Departments: Responsible for monitoring economic and environmental aspects, ensuring that trade routes remain secure and legal.
• Local Communities and Educational Institutions: An essential component of Sea Vigil-24 is the involvement of local fishing communities and maritime stakeholders. Additionally, students from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides will participate, fostering awareness about the importance of coastal security.

Focus Areas of Sea Vigil-24

The exercise will hone in on several critical areas to ensure that India’s coastal defences are watertight. These focus areas include:

1. Protection of Coastal Infrastructure: Special emphasis on safeguarding vital installations like ports, oil rigs, cable landing points, and Single Point Moorings, which are crucial for the country’s economic security.
2. Enhanced Surveillance and Response: Testing the capability of surveillance systems and the response time of security agencies to simulated threats.
3. Engagement of Local Stakeholders: Ensuring that coastal communities are informed and equipped to handle security situations, as they are often the first line of observation and response.

Testing and Evaluation

The comprehensive testing framework of Sea Vigil-24 is designed to evaluate every layer of India’s coastal security:

• Infrastructure Audits: Assessing the readiness of security installations and evaluating their capability to handle potential threats.
• Response Drills: Simulated scenarios to gauge the efficiency and coordination of various agencies in handling emergency situations.
• Stakeholder Involvement: Local communities will be actively involved in mock drills to ensure that they are prepared to support security forces during emergencies.

Significance of Sea Vigil-24

Sea Vigil-24 holds immense significance in strengthening India’s coastal defence and maritime security:

• Unprecedented Collaboration: This year’s exercise will witness the highest level of participation from various governmental and non-governmental bodies, enhancing the overall coordination between different agencies.
• Increased Vigilance in Coastal Areas: The exercise aims to address gaps identified in previous editions, leading to more robust surveillance and monitoring.
• Awareness and Training: The involvement of local communities and educational institutions is vital for spreading awareness about maritime security. It also serves as a platform for training future generations to understand and contribute to coastal defence.
• National Security Enhancement: In an era of increasing maritime threats, Sea Vigil-24 will play a crucial role in maintaining India’s sovereignty over its maritime zones and securing its strategic interests.

Conclusion

The Indian Navy’s Sea Vigil-24 is a critical exercise that not only underscores the country’s commitment to securing its maritime borders but also highlights the need for comprehensive cooperation between multiple stakeholders. As the largest coastal defence exercise to date, Sea Vigil-24 is set to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s maritime security strategy for the coming years. This initiative reflects India’s proactive stance in addressing evolving security challenges, ensuring that its vast coastline remains a safeguarded and strategic asset.