The exercise will serve as a precursor to the major Theater Level Readiness Operational Exercise
India is set to bolster its coastal security with the upcoming Coastal Defense Exercise, Sea Vigil-24, scheduled for the last week of November. This large-scale defense drill, involving all coastal states and union territories, will be conducted with the aim of enhancing India's coastal security framework, building upon past exercises, and integrating advanced security measures. A recent main planning conference, led by Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, outlined the blueprint for Sea Vigil-24. The gathering emphasized the coordination of diverse maritime agencies and the integration of new Key Result Areas (KRAs) to elevate preparedness levels.

Vice Admiral Sobti’s address at the conference underscored the importance of a comprehensive response to coastal threats. The planning session brought together representatives from an array of maritime stakeholders including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), State Marine Police, Fisheries, Customs, the Intelligence Bureau, and other state and central agencies. Together, they identified existing security gaps, discussed solutions, and solidified response strategies to ensure the seamless activation of India’s coastal defense mechanism.

The Sea Vigil series of exercises is a strategic initiative by the Indian Navy in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard and various ministries responsible for maritime activities. Since its inception, Sea Vigil has played a pivotal role in fortifying India’s coastal defense, particularly in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. 

The inaugural Sea Vigil exercise took place in January 2019, with subsequent iterations in 2021 and 2022. Each exercise has progressively expanded in scope, focusing on assessing and strengthening inter-agency coordination and resource optimization. The 2022 edition, for instance, involved operations across India’s 7,516 km coastline and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), engaging coastal states, union territories, fishing communities, and other stakeholders in maritime security.

Sea Vigil-24 will strive to achieve several critical objectives:
Activating the Coastal Security Apparatus: The exercise aims to mobilize and integrate resources across all Indian coastal states and union territories, testing the readiness of national security agencies and local authorities.
Enhancing Inter-Agency Coordination: As coastal security demands an integrated response, Sea Vigil-24 will focus on ensuring smooth communication and coordination among various agencies. This includes the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, CISF, and other organizations essential to maritime defense.
Validating Response Capabilities: Sea Vigil-24 will test the efficacy of response protocols under simulated threat conditions, ensuring that India’s coastline remains secure against both external and internal threats.

The exercise will activate a comprehensive coastal defense mechanism across all levels, from state marine police to federal intelligence services, ensuring that each unit is fully prepared to respond to potential threats.

Sea Vigil-24 will serve as a precursor to the major Theater Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX). Conducted biennially by the Indian Navy, TROPEX is a significant defense drill that encompasses a wider range of maritime security challenges, from territorial defense to surveillance. The combination of Sea Vigil and TROPEX offers a complete framework to evaluate and enhance India’s maritime defense systems.

India's maritime domain is uniquely complex due to its proximity to international maritime routes and its extensive coastline. Coastal security concerns are magnified by India’s dependence on maritime trade and its vast EEZ. 
Each edition of Sea Vigil has yielded critical lessons, influencing the strategic and operational direction of India’s coastal security efforts. 

Key takeaways from past exercises, such as Sea Vigil-22, have led to enhanced communication protocols, improved inter-agency collaboration, and optimized resource deployment. The Sea Vigil exercises have demonstrated that collaboration across state and central entities is essential for an effective coastal defense, with each agency contributing unique capabilities and expertise to the overall security framework.

Notably, past exercises underscored the importance of involving local communities, especially fishing and coastal villages, in security efforts. These communities often serve as the first line of observation and can offer early warnings of unusual activities along the coastline. By fostering a collaborative approach that includes civilian participation, the Sea Vigil exercises ensure a holistic, inclusive approach to coastal security.

As the fourth edition of Sea Vigil approaches, India’s commitment to maintaining a secure and resilient coastline is clear. By involving a diverse range of stakeholders, Sea Vigil-24 aims to ensure that every element of India’s coastal security apparatus is prepared for any threat. With each exercise, India strengthens its maritime defense, advancing toward a fortified coastline that can respond rapidly and effectively to emergent security challenges.

The forthcoming Sea Vigil-24 exercise is expected to be a cornerstone in India’s defense strategy, reinforcing the nation’s position as a leader in maritime security and underlining its commitment to safeguarding its extensive maritime borders. The lessons learned and insights gained from this exercise will not only contribute to India’s defense preparedness but will also serve as a model for maritime security in the region.