Sea Vigil-24 – Strengthening Coastal Defence

India’s coastal security landscape is evolving with the upcoming Exercise Sea Vigil-24. Scheduled for 20 and 21 November 2024, this exercise marks the fourth iteration of a national initiative designed to enhance coastal defence capabilities. With unprecedented participation from six ministries and 21 agencies, the exercise aims to boost the nation’s maritime security framework.

Background of Sea Vigil

Exercise Sea Vigil was first introduced in 2018. It was a response to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The exercise aims to validate and improve measures for coastal defence. It encompasses India’s vast coastline of 11,098 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.4 million square kilometres.

Scope and Participation

This year’s exercise will see involvement from various stakeholders. The Indian Navy will coordinate efforts with the Indian Army and Air Force. Additionally, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will join the Coastal Defence & Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) teams. Participation extends to local fishing communities, students from the National Cadet Corps, and Bharat Scouts and Guides.

Focus Areas

The exercise prioritises the security of critical coastal assets. These include ports, oil rigs, and cable landing points. The aim is to ensure the safety of coastal populations and infrastructure. The exercise will also raise awareness among communities about maritime security.

CDSRE Phase

The CDSRE phase commenced at the end of October 2024. Naval officers in charge of coastal states and Union Territories are conducting thorough audits. This phase assesses the current coastal defence and security infrastructure. It aims to identify strengths and weaknesses in the system.

Importance of Coordination

Sea Vigil-24 is a national-level initiative. It provides a comprehensive overview of India’s maritime defence capabilities. By coordinating efforts among various agencies, the exercise enhances overall preparedness. This collaboration is crucial for effective coastal security.

Precursor to TROPEX

Exercise Sea Vigil serves as a precursor to the Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX). Conducted biennially, TROPEX further tests the operational readiness of the Indian Navy. Sea Vigil-24 will ensure that all maritime security agencies are aligned and prepared for future challenges.

Community Engagement

Engaging local communities is an important aspect of Sea Vigil-24. Involvement from the fishing community and educational institutions encourages a sense of responsibility towards coastal security. This grassroots approach enhances the overall effectiveness of the exercise.

Assessment of Maritime Security

The exercise will provide a platform to evaluate the current state of maritime security. It will help identify gaps in the existing framework. This assessment is vital for strengthening India’s coastal defence capabilities.

Future Implications

The outcomes of Sea Vigil-24 will have long-term implications for India’s maritime strategy. Enhanced coordination among agencies will lead to improved security measures. The exercise reaffirms India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime boundaries.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the evolution of India’s coastal security measures post the 26/11 attacks.
2. Explain the significance of community involvement in enhancing coastal security frameworks.
3. What are the challenges faced by India’s maritime security agencies? How can these be addressed?
4. Comment on the role of national exercises like Sea Vigil in shaping India’s defence policy.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the evolution of India’s coastal security measures post the 26/11 attacks.

1. Post 26/11, the need for robust coastal security was recognized, leading to initiatives like the National Coastal Security Scheme.
2. Formation of the Coastal Security Scheme involved the establishment of the Coastal Police and the strengthening of maritime law enforcement agencies.
3. Integration of various stakeholders, including the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and local police, has improved coordination and response capabilities.
4. Technological advancements, such as surveillance systems and maritime domain awareness, have been implemented to enhance monitoring of coastal areas.
5. Regular exercises like Sea Vigil provide opportunities for evaluation and improvement of coastal security measures, ensuring preparedness against potential threats.

2. Explain the significance of community involvement in enhancing coastal security frameworks.

1. Community involvement encourages a sense of responsibility among local populations regarding their own security and environment.
2. Engagement with fishing communities helps in gathering intelligence and reporting suspicious activities along the coast.
3. Educational initiatives, like involving students from NCC and Bharat Scouts, raise awareness about maritime security among youth.
4. Local communities can assist in the implementation of security measures and contribute to disaster response efforts.
5. Building trust and cooperation between security agencies and communities enhances overall effectiveness of coastal security frameworks.

3. What are the challenges faced by India’s maritime security agencies? How can these be addressed?

1. Challenges include inadequate resources, lack of infrastructure, and limited coordination among various agencies.
2. Insufficient training and capacity building among personnel can hinder effective response to maritime threats.
3. Addressing these issues requires increased government investment in maritime security infrastructure and technology.
4. Improving inter-agency communication and collaboration is essential for a unified approach to coastal security.
5. Regular training exercises and community engagement initiatives can enhance preparedness and response capabilities of security agencies.

4. Comment on the role of national exercises like Sea Vigil in shaping India’s defence policy.

1. National exercises like Sea Vigil provide a platform for assessing and enhancing the effectiveness of India’s maritime defence strategies.
2. They facilitate coordination among various military and civilian agencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to coastal security.
3. Such exercises help identify gaps and weaknesses in the existing security framework, leading to informed policy adjustments.
4. They reinforce the importance of preparedness and readiness in addressing emerging maritime threats.
5. Ultimately, exercises like Sea Vigil contribute to the formulation of a cohesive and robust national defence policy that prioritizes maritime security.