Indian Navy to Conduct Sea Vigil 24: Strengthening Coastal Security Headquarters, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area
The Indian Navy will conduct the fouth edition of its Coastal Defence Exercise, Sea Vigil 24, on 20th and 21st November 2024. This nationwide exercise, spanning the entire 11,098 km coastline of India, will involve six ministries, 21 Central and State agencies, and key stakeholders from across the maritime security apparatus. In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, preparatory activities have been ongoing since October, with joint meetings held to coordinate efforts for this large-scale security exercise.
Focus on Coastal Assets and Maritime Security. Sea Vigil 24 is designed to bolster the security of India’s coastal assets, including ports, oil rigs, vulnerable areas (VAs), vulnerable points (VPs), and cable landing stations. This year, the exercise will also see the participation of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, highlighting the integrated approach to coastal and maritime security. With a focus on India’s expansive coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covering 2.4 million square kilometers, the exercise will engage all levels of government and security forces.
Since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the Indian Navy has been tasked as the lead agency for maritime security, and Sea Vigil 24 serves as a vital step in ensuring coordination across Central and State security agencies for effective coastal defence.
Community Participation and Awareness. In addition to military and security forces, Sea Vigil 24 will actively involve local communities, including NCC cadets, Bharat Scouts and Guides, and fishermen, to raise awareness about the importance of maritime security. This public engagement is key to creating a widespread sense of vigilance along India’s coastline.
Preparatory Measures in Tamil Nadu & Puducherry. In the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry area, the Indian Navy has engaged over 2,000 students, including NCC cadets and Scouts, in maritime security awareness programmes. The Navy has also conducted Coastal Defence and Security Readiness evaluations at 51 locations and maritime awareness sessions at more than 60 sites. The exercise has received strong cooperation from local agencies, including the Tamil Nadu Coastal Security Group, Fisheries Department, Forest Department, Customs, CISF, and the Railway Protection Force, among others, ensuring a robust and coordinated effort to strengthen the region’s coastal security.
A Collaborative Effort for National Security. Sea Vigil 24 is a crucial exercise aimed at enhancing the nation’s maritime security infrastructure and ensuring a holistic evaluation of India’s coastal and maritime defence readiness. The exercise underscores the Indian Navy’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime boundaries and promoting national security.
