Indian navy to conduct sea vigil exercise this week
Times of India | 18 November 2024
Kolkata: The Indian Navy will conduct its fourth Coastal Defence Exercise 'Sea Vigil-24' on Wednesday and Thursday in coastal areas of Bengal, focusing on strengthening security measures for coastal assets, including ports, oil installations, single point moorings, cable landing points, and vital coastal infrastructure, whilst considering the coastal population.
The exercise, led by the Indian Navy, involves multiple stakeholders from governmental and security agencies, including state govts, the Coast Guard, Marine Police, intelligence services, and customs. This collaborative effort aims to assess and enhance India's national security preparedness across its coastline.
The exercise covers 7,500 kilometres of coastline along the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal. "This region, known for its rich natural resources and busy shipping routes, is a central artery of global trade and commerce. Approximately 95% of India's trade by volume and 70% by value is conducted via the sea, making coastal security not only a matter of national security but also an economic necessity," said a defence spokesperson.
Established in 2018 following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Sea Vigil assesses and reinforces coastal defence protocols. Officials noted that the 2008 Mumbai attacks, where terrorists used maritime routes to enter India, demonstrate the risks of inadequate coastal security.
"In light of these challenges, Sea Vigil simulates various threat scenarios, preparing security agencies to respond swiftly and effectively to any unauthorized incursions. This proactive approach to threat identification and mitigation ensures that the nation is equipped to prevent future incidents and secure its maritime frontiers. By testing response mechanisms in real-time, Sea Vigil enables authorities to evaluate and strengthen protocols for incident response, asset mobilization, and information dissemination among various agencies," said a defence spokesperson.
The official highlighted that inter-agency collaboration is a crucial aspect of Sea Vigil, essential for effective coastal defence. The exercise facilitates seamless information exchange between agencies, reducing response times and enabling swift action against potential threats. "Such collaboration also allows for better resource allocation and shared intelligence, which are crucial for handling multifaceted challenges in maritime security," the official said.
The Navy, as the primary coordinator, manages planning and operations using its intelligence network and assets, including ships, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to monitor the coastline. Advanced maritime surveillance technology, including radar systems and aerial reconnaissance, enables comprehensive monitoring of maritime traffic and identification of suspicious activities.
The exercise emphasises training and capability enhancement for local security forces involved in coastal security. "While Exercise Sea Vigil focuses on present threats, it also aims to address the emerging challenges posed by evolving maritime threats. Sea Vigil's simulations address potential threats, testing how well-equipped India's coastal defence forces are to handle complex, multi-dimensional security challenges. By assessing both traditional and non-traditional threats, Sea Vigil ensures that India's maritime defence remains adaptive and responsive to the modern security landscape," the spokesperson added. MSID:: 115417688 413 |