To strengthen the maritime security of the nation, a two-day nationwide Sea Vigil exercise began today. In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Indian Navy’s Headquarters Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area is coordinating the entire exercise. This is the fourth edition of the Coastal Defence Exercise, which concludes tomorrow, the 21st November.

 

This nationwide exercise, spanning the entire 11,098 km coastline of India, involves six Central ministries, 21 Central and State agencies, and key stakeholders from across the maritime security apparatus.

 

In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, preparatory activities have been undertaken by the Navy since October 2024, and joint meetings were held with all stakeholders to coordinate the efforts for the large-scale security exercise.

 

         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 also sees 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 engages 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.

 

In addition to military and security forces, Sea Vigil 24 actively involves local communities, and the NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, 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.

 

In 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 is receiving strong cooperation from local agencies, including the Coastal Security Group of the Tamil Nadu Police, 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.

 

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.

 

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