The fifth edition of the Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-26’ began today. It will continue till the 19th of this month. Sea Vigil-26 spans the entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India, and will involve all Coastal States and Union Territories, along with other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities.
The exercise is being coordinated by the Indian Navy as the lead agency. The exercise is being conducted in two phases: the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation phase from today till 17th, followed by the Sea Phase on 18th and 19th November. Exercise Sea Vigil was conceptualised in 2018 to validate the measures instituted to strengthen maritime security in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The Defence Ministry said that the conduct of Sea Vigil at the national level provides an opportunity, at the apex level, to assess the nation’s preparedness towards Maritime Security and Coastal Defence.
