As maritime threats evolve and strategic vigilance remains paramount, India has officially commenced the fifth edition of its flagship pan-India coastal defence exercise, ‘Sea Vigil-26’.
Running from November 11 to November 19, 2026, and coordinated by the Indian Navy, this extensive drill spans the entirety of India’s vast coastline and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
A Response Forged in History
Conceptualised in 2018, the Sea Vigil exercise series serves as a crucial national mechanism to validate and stress-test the robust maritime security architecture established in the tragic aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Over the years, it has transformed into the country’s apex readiness assessment tool for coastal protection.
Structure of the Exercise
To ensure comprehensive evaluation, Sea Vigil-26 is being executed in two distinct phases:
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Phase 1: Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) – Running from November 11 to 17focusing on local security audits, intelligence sharing, and asset mobilisation.
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Phase 2: Sea Phase – Scheduled for November 18 and 19focusing on tactical manoeuvres, high-tempo operations, and inter-agency coordination out at sea.
A Whole-of-Government Approach
The sheer scale of Sea Vigil-26 sets it apart from regional drills. The exercise witnesses active participation from:
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Armed Forces & Law Enforcement: Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Security Police, and Customs.
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Central & State Ministries: Ministries of Defence; Home Affairs; Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
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Civilian Stakeholders: Coastal communities, local fishermen, and port authorities across all coastal states and Union Territories.
Building Up to TROPEX
Crucially, Sea Vigil serves as the vital build-up to the Indian Navy’s biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX). While Sea Vigil focuses heavily on domestic coastal defence and multi-agency synergy, TROPEX extends these capabilities onto the high seas, ensuring that India’s maritime forces maintain total spectrum dominance—from near-shore security to blue-water power projection.
As Sea Vigil-26 unfolds over the next week, it stands as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to securing its maritime frontiers, safeguarding its economic zones, and protecting its citizens.