Indian Navy to organise 'Sea Vigil-26' maritime security exercise

The Indian Navy has organised the fifth edition of the all-India maritime security exercise 'Sea Vigil-26'. According to a PIB report, this exercise will be held from 11 to 19 November 2026, with the Navy acting as the nodal agency. The exercise is divided into two phases, comprising the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase from 11 to 17 November, followed by the 'Sea Phase' on 18 and 19 November.

The exercise will span the entire Indian coastline and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It will involve various maritime stakeholders, including all coastal states and Union Territories, as well as fishing and coastal communities. Assets from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Security Police, Customs, and other maritime agencies will participate in this campaign. Additionally, various central and state departments, including the Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, will collaborate to make this exercise a success.

The primary objective of the Sea Vigil exercise is to assess the country's preparedness for maritime security and coastal protection at the national level. This exercise provides an opportunity to strengthen the security apparatus under real-world conditions. It is akin to the Navy's biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX). Together, Sea Vigil and TROPEX cover all security challenges, ranging from coastal protection to deep-sea operations.

The Sea Vigil exercise was initiated in 2018. It was conceived to test the measures taken to strengthen maritime security following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Since then, this exercise has been serving as a vital medium to fortify the maritime security framework.