Sea Vigil-26: Indian Navy Begins Nationwide Coastal Defence Exercise
- By Sanjay Kumar
- 12 Nov 2026, 14:01 IST
- 2 min read
Key points
The Indian Navy launched the fifth edition of the nationwide coastal defence exercise Sea Vigil-26 on 11 November 2026. The nine-day exercise will continue until 19 November 2026, covering India's entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The exercise aims to assess India's maritime security preparedness, strengthen coastal surveillance and improve coordination among security agencies. It involves the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Security Police, Customs and other maritime stakeholders.
Key Highlights of Sea Vigil-26
Exercise Name: Sea Vigil-26
Edition: Fifth
Duration: 11–19 November 2026
Lead Agency: Indian Navy
Coverage: Entire Indian coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone
Participants: All coastal states and Union Territories
Main Objective: Strengthening coastal defence and maritime security
Background: Security reforms introduced after the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks
Two Phases of Sea Vigil-26
Phase | Dates | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
Phase 1 – Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) | 11–17 November 2026 | Assessment of coastal security preparedness and coordination |
Phase 2 – Sea Phase | 18–19 November 2026 | Operational testing of maritime security arrangements |
Participating Agencies
The exercise brings together multiple organisations responsible for India's maritime security, including:
Indian Navy
Indian Coast Guard
Coastal Security Police
Customs Department
Central and State Government Agencies
Fishing and Coastal Communities
Several Union Ministries, including the Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, are supporting the exercise.
Background of Exercise Sea Vigil
Exercise Sea Vigil was conceptualised in 2018, following the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks of 2008.
The attacks exposed weaknesses in coastal surveillance and maritime security coordination. Sea Vigil was introduced to evaluate the effectiveness of India's strengthened coastal security arrangements.
The exercise helps identify security gaps, test emergency response mechanisms and improve information sharing between maritime agencies.
Connection with TROPEX
Sea Vigil also serves as a preparatory exercise for the Indian Navy's Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX).
While Sea Vigil focuses primarily on coastal defence and security preparedness, TROPEX evaluates broader naval operational readiness, including activities on the high seas.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Exercise | Sea Vigil-26 |
Edition | 5th |
Conducted By | Indian Navy |
Dates | 11–19 November 2026 |
First Conceptualised | 2018 |
CDSRE Full Form | Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation |
EEZ Full Form | Exclusive Economic Zone |
Related Naval Exercise | TROPEX |
TROPEX Full Form | Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise |
Historical Background | 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks, 2008 |
Significance
Sea Vigil-26 strengthens India's maritime security by assessing surveillance systems, inter-agency coordination and responses to potential coastal threats.
The involvement of fishing communities is particularly important because they can help identify suspicious activities in coastal waters.
The exercise contributes to protecting India's maritime interests, coastal infrastructure, ports and offshore installations.
