The Indian Navy organized an extensive coastal defense exercise, Exercise Sea Vigil, on January 22-23, 2019. As a first endeavor of its kind, the exercise covered the entire 7516.6 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India. Coordinated by the navy, all 13 coastal states and union territories took part, alongside a multitude of maritime stakeholders, including fishing and coastal communities. The initiative is part of a larger theater-level tri-service exercise, TROPEX, that the Indian Navy conducts biennially.
Understanding TROPEX
TROPEX, short for Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise, is India’s largest inter-service exercise taking place along the western coast. Designed as a platform to test the combat capability of the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Coast Guard (ICG), it enables the forces to evaluate their readiness for combat scenarios.
Inter-Agency Collaboration in Conducting Exercise SEA VIGIL
The exercise SEA VIGIL was made possible through the collaboration of several governmental entities – Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Shipping, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Fisheries, Customs, and State Governments, among others. Following the 26/11 attacks, operational responsibilities for coastal security were handed over to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, leading to the planning and execution of Exercise SEA VIGIL.
Purpose and Scope of Exercise SEA VIGIL
The primary aim of Exercise SEA VIGIL was to validate, both comprehensively and holistically, the effectiveness of the measures undertaken since the 26/11 events. The exercise involved not just seaward monitoring, but also land-based surveillance. Besides covering the entire coastline, the exercise penetrated deeper into the hinterland. In doing so, it aimed to provide an accurate assessment of the nation’s strengths and vulnerabilities, aiding in the further fortification of maritime and national security.
| Exercise Name | Primary Organizer | Aim | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise SEA VIGIL | Indian Navy | To validate measures taken for coastal security post 26/11 | Around 7516.6 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India |
| TROPEX | Indian Navy | To test combat capabilities of Indian armed forces | Western coast of India |
About the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
The 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), themed “Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India”, was held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, from January 21-23, 2019. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in association with the government of Uttar Pradesh, this special event aimed at strengthening the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnecting them with their roots.
Significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Celebrated every two years on January 9, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas marks the importance of the Overseas Indian community in the development of India. This day was chosen to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915. PBD conventions have been held annually since 2003, serving as a platform for networking among the overseas Indian community and sharing their experiences in various fields. Exceptionally meritorious individuals are honored with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in recognition of their role in India’s growth.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024