Context:

Recently, the fourth edition of the Pan India coastal defense exercise, Sea Vigil 24, concluded covering all coastal states and union territories.

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  • Over 21 agencies from six ministries participated, including the Indian Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, State Marine Police, Customs, BSF, CISF, Port Authorities, and Fisheries Department.
  • It covered India’s 11,098 km coastline and 2.4 million sq. km. of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
  • It was conducted in two phases:
    • The Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) Phase,
    • Tactical Phase
  • Focus Areas
    • Strengthened coastal defence, emphasizing securing vital maritime assets like oil rigs, single point moorings, cable landing stations, non-major ports, and nuclear installations.
    • Air Defence: Indian Air Force deployed air defence systems on offshore platforms to protect infrastructure.
    • Maritime Safety: Simulated hijacking scenarios, naval guidance to shipping, and rerouting of Indian merchant vessels for security.
    • Fishing Communities: Active participation from fishing communities across all states, working alongside maritime forces.
    • Community Outreach: Awareness programs for youth, including NCC cadets, Bharat Scouts and Guides, and coastal students, to build a security-conscious coastal ecosystem.
  • Sea Vigil-24, held before the biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX) exercise by the Indian Navy, is a key step in strengthening India’s commitment to protecting its maritime boundaries and ensuring coordination among all coastal defence stakeholders

Sea Vigil Exercise

  • The Sea Vigil exercise was Launched in 2018 and simulates coastal and offshore threats to test national preparedness across seaboards and island territories.
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