The third edition of the Sea Vigil maritime exercise took place in November, 2022, with the goal of enhancing the country’s maritime security. The two-day exercise will involve multiple agencies, including the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Customs department, and other maritime agencies, and will cover the 7,516 km coastline of India as well as the exclusive economic zone. Here are the FAQs on the same:
What is the Sea Vigil exercise?
The Sea Vigil exercise is a maritime exercise conducted by India to enhance its maritime security.
When was the first edition of Sea Vigil held?
The first edition of Sea Vigil was held in 2019.
What is the scope of the Sea Vigil exercise?
The Sea Vigil exercise is “unprecedented” in terms of its geographical extent, the number of stakeholders involved, the number of units participating, and the objectives to be met. It covers the 7,516 km-long coastline of India and takes place in the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Who participates in the Sea Vigil exercise?
The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Customs department, and other maritime agencies participate in the Sea Vigil exercise.
What is the purpose of the Sea Vigil exercise?
The Sea Vigil exercise is intended to validate the maritime security mechanism and to prepare for the major Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), which the Indian Navy conducts every two years. It also provides an opportunity to evaluate India’s maritime preparedness for invasions or terrorist attacks and to identify strengths and weaknesses in order to strengthen maritime and national security.
When was the Sea Vigil exercise conceptualized?
The Sea Vigil exercise was conceptualized in 2018 in response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
What measures have been taken to strengthen India’s coastal security since the Mumbai terror attack?
Since the Mumbai terror attack, the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard have taken a series of measures to strengthen India’s coastal security.
Who coordinates the Sea Vigil exercise?
The Sea Vigil exercise is coordinated by various Indian government agencies, including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Customs, and other central and state government agencies.
Is the Sea Vigil exercise a national-level exercise?
Yes, the Sea Vigil exercise is a national-level exercise that is conducted at the national level to serve a larger purpose. It is a combined effort that covers a larger area compared to smaller-scale exercises that only cover a portion of the coastline or certain states.