India Gears Up for Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise with Troops from Army, Navy, and Air Force

New Delhi, India - The Indian Navy is preparing for the fourth edition of its prestigious coastal defence exercise, Ex Sea Vigil-24, which is set to take place on November 20 and 21, 2024. This Pan-India exercise is being conducted with an unprecedented scale and participation, showcasing India's commitment to strengthening its coastal security and defence infrastructure. The exercise will cover the entire Indian coastline and its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), involving numerous agencies and organisations in a coordinated effort to safeguard India’s maritime boundaries.

Ex Sea Vigil-24 will be the largest edition of the exercise, marking significant advancements in both its geographical reach and the scale of participation. For the first time, six key ministries and 21 different organisations/agencies will be involved in the exercise, making it a truly national-level initiative. These include the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, Customs, Fisheries, State Marine Police, and other maritime security agencies, alongside personnel from the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). The inclusion of NSCS officials in the Coastal Defence & Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase of the exercise, being conducted by the Naval Officer-in-Charge of all coastal states and Union Territories (UTs) since October 2024, marks a critical step towards comprehensive national security integration.  

Focus on Coastal Infrastructure and Security  

The exercise is designed to evaluate and enhance the security readiness of India’s critical coastal assets. It will focus on securing vital maritime infrastructure such as ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, cable landing points, and other key facilities essential to India’s economic and strategic interests. Additionally, the exercise will place a significant emphasis on the protection of the coastal population and communities living in proximity to the sea, ensuring their safety and security amidst evolving maritime threats.

This year, the participation of other services, including the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, coupled with the deployment of a large number of ships and aircraft, will further elevate the tempo of the exercise. The coordinated efforts of all three services will test India’s ability to defend its vast coastline and respond effectively to any emerging threats.  

Coastal Defence & Security Readiness Evaluation  

The ongoing CDSRE phase, which began at the end of October 2024, involves a detailed audit of the entire coastal defence infrastructure. This phase has been spearheaded by the Naval Officer-in-Charge of all coastal states and UTs, including Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, to assess the readiness of India’s coastal security apparatus. Personnel from various agencies, including the Coast Guard, Customs, and State Marine Police, have been working alongside Indian Navy officials to ensure that all coastal defences are in optimal operational condition. The inclusion of the National Security Council Secretariat officials in the teams for the first time highlights the increasing importance of a unified national approach to maritime security.

A significant aspect of Ex Sea Vigil-24 is its aim to engage and raise awareness among India’s coastal communities about the importance of maritime security. The exercise will actively involve the fishing community, coastal populations, and students from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides. This community involvement is intended to foster greater understanding and cooperation between the military and civilian stakeholders in safeguarding India’s maritime borders. By engaging these communities, the exercise will also encourage vigilance and participation in the larger security framework, which is essential in today’s complex security environment.  

A Holistic Appraisal of Maritime Security  

While coastal security exercises are regularly conducted by individual coastal states and maritime agencies, Ex Sea Vigil stands out as a national-level, integrated initiative led by the Indian Navy. This exercise provides a comprehensive and holistic appraisal of India’s maritime defence and security capabilities, offering a rare opportunity to assess the preparedness of all maritime security agencies in real time. It also serves as a platform to identify gaps, strengths, and areas of improvement in India’s coastal defence structure.

The exercise acts as a precursor to the Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), which is conducted biennially by the Indian Navy. By evaluating the readiness of India’s maritime forces, Ex Sea Vigil-24 ensures that the nation is better prepared to address the evolving challenges in the maritime domain, from conventional threats to emerging risks in the form of terrorism, piracy, and natural disasters.  

Ex Sea Vigil-24 not only serves as a crucial tool for improving India’s coastal defence readiness but also reinforces the nation's commitment to safeguarding its maritime borders. Through coordinated efforts among various ministries, agencies, and the military, the exercise ensures that India is well-prepared to respond to any maritime security challenges that may arise. The results of Ex Sea Vigil-24 will provide invaluable insights into the operational capabilities of India’s maritime security framework, ensuring a safer, more secure coastline and a stronger, more resilient nation.