The Mumbai attacks of 26/11 led to a comprehensive review of the organisational framework of pan India coastal security construct. Post review, the Indian Navy (IN) was designated as the agency responsible for overall Maritime Security including Offshore and Coastal Security and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was made responsible for coastal security in territorial waters.
Naval Commander-in-Chief (C-in-Cs) were designated as C-in-Cs Coastal Defence of their respective Area of Responsibilities (AoR). All agencies were directed to increase surveillance and patrol, and assist the IN in the discharge of coastal security responsibilities. Post 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved several measures to strengthen maritime, coastal and offshore security.
To improve Coastal Defence and Security mechanism, the Indian Navy started conducting Ex Sea Vigil since 2019. The fourth edition of the ‘Pan India’ Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’ is planned from 20 to 21 November 2024. Ex Sea Vigil will span an unprecedented scale, both in terms of geographical reach and the magnitude of participation, with involvement of 06 Ministries and 21 organisations/ agencies. Encompassing the entire 11,098 kms coastline and vast Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.4 million square kilometers, this comprehensive exercise will engage complete coastal security infrastructure and all maritime stakeholders, including the fishing community and coastal populace, simultaneously. One of the aims of the exercise is to raise awareness amongst coastal communities about maritime security, and thus, involvement of fishing communities, coastal populace, and students from NCC and Bharat Scouts & Guides will add to the fervour of the endeavour.
While coastal security exercises are conducted by individual coastal states and maritime security agencies regularly, Exercise Sea Vigil coordinated by the Indian Navy stands out as a National level initiative that provides a holistic appraisal of India’s Maritime Defence and Security capabilities.The exercise offers a significant opportunity to assess current preparedness of all maritime security agencies, identify their strengths and weaknesses and enhance the nation overall maritime Defence framework.
The Naval Officer-in-Charge (NOIC) West Bengal will maintain close liaison with various stakeholders i.e. Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, BSF, Marine Police, NSG, CISF, Fisheries, Customs and other Civil Authorities for the coastal defence and security of West Bengal.
During preparatory phase of exercise, various coordination meetings have been undertaken by NOIC (WB) including Initial Planning Conference and Main Planning Conference attended by stakeholders from various agencies for increased synergy and simultaneous activation of complete coastal defence and security mechanism. Students from NCC and Bharat Scouts & Guides were given a comprehensive brief on Naval assets in State of West Bengal and visits to Light House were also coordinated by NOIC(WB).
The Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase of exercise is being conducted by NOIC(WB) in coordination with other stakeholders, in coastal districts of West Bengal since end Oct 24, wherein thorough assessment of complete Coastal Defence and Security infrastructure is being carried out.This year, National Security Council Secretariat officials were also part of Indian Navy led CDSRE teams for the first time, along with personnel from State Marine Police, Coast Guard, Customs, Fisheries etc.
During execution phase of exercise, precisely coordinated attacks will be launched on identified prominent Vulnerable Assets (VAs) and Vulnerable Points (VPs) by the Red Force. This complete exercise will be steered from Joint Coordination Center (JCC) at Naval Station Kolkata, wherein representatives from all stakeholders will be working closely for achieving increased coordination and synergy.
The exercise will focus on strengthening the security of coastal assets like ports, oil rigs, single point moorings and critical coastal infrastructure including the coastal population. This year participation by other services (Indian Army & Air Force) and planned deployment of large number of ships and aircraft has enhanced the tempo of the exercise.
( Image for representation purpose only )
