Sea Vigil-26: Fifth Coastal Defence Exercise Covers India’s Coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone

The news

The Indian Navy, as the lead agency, is coordinating the fifth edition of the pan-India coastal defence exercise Sea Vigil-26 from 11 to 19 November 2026. The exercise covers the entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India and involves all coastal states and Union Territories, along with other maritime stakeholders including fishing and coastal communities.

Sea Vigil-26 is being conducted in two phases: the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation phase from 11 to 17 November, followed by the Sea Phase on 18 and 19 November. Assets of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Security Police, Customs and other maritime agencies are participating. The exercise is facilitated by the Ministries of Defence; Home Affairs; Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, together with other central and state agencies.

Sea Vigil was conceptualised in 2018 to validate the measures instituted to strengthen maritime security in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise provides an opportunity at the apex level to assess the nation's preparedness towards maritime security and coastal defence. Sea Vigil is also a build-up to the Indian Navy's biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise, or TROPEX, and together they address the entire spectrum of maritime security challenges from coastal defence to operations on the high seas.

What was the 26/11 Mumbai attack and its maritime security fallout?

The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks began on 26 November 2008 when ten Pakistani terrorists entered Mumbai by sea after hijacking an Indian fishing vessel. The attackers landed at the city's waterfront and carried out coordinated shootings and bombings across multiple locations, killing 166 people. In the aftermath, India overhauled its coastal security architecture by establishing a multi-tiered surveillance network, creating the Sagar Prahari Bal, setting up joint operation centres, and mandating biometric identity cards for fishermen. The Coastal Security Scheme was launched in phases from 2005 but was significantly strengthened after 2008, and the Indian Coast Guard was designated the lead agency for coastal security in February 2009.

How did Sea Vigil originate?

Sea Vigil was conceptualised in 2018 to validate maritime security measures strengthened after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It brings coastal defence under a nationwide assessment framework, covering the entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone rather than a single port or coastal state.

Which agencies and ministries are involved?

The exercise involves the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Security Police, Customs and other maritime agencies. Facilitating ministries include Defence; Home Affairs; Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Their participation reflects the overlap between defence, policing, ports, offshore activities and coastal livelihoods in maritime security.

What is the link with TROPEX?

Sea Vigil is a build-up to the Indian Navy's biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise, or TROPEX. Together, Sea Vigil and TROPEX address the entire spectrum of maritime security challenges, from coastal defence to operations on the high seas.