The fifth edition of India's Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise, Sea Vigil-26, began on November 11 and will continue until November 19, 2026. The Indian Navy is coordinating the exercise as the lead agency to assess the country's preparedness in maritime security and coastal defence.
Sea Vigil-26 will cover India's entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), involving all coastal states and Union Territories. Other maritime stakeholders, including fishing and coastal communities, will also be involved in the exercise.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
The fifth edition of Sea Vigil-26 began on November 11, 2026.
The exercise will continue until November 19.
The Indian Navy is coordinating the exercise as the lead agency.
It covers India's entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone.
All coastal states and Union Territories are involved.
The exercise has two phases: November 11–17 and November 18–19.
The exercise is being conducted in two phases. The first phase, known as the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE), will take place from November 11 to 17. This will be followed by the Sea Phase on November 18 and 19.
Assets of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Security Police, Customs and other maritime agencies will participate. The exercise is also being facilitated by several central ministries, including Defence, Home Affairs, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, along with other central government agencies and coastal state and Union Territory administrations.
Exercise Sea Vigil was conceptualised in 2018 to validate measures introduced to strengthen India's maritime security following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
India's extensive coastline and maritime zones require coordination among multiple security agencies and coastal authorities. Sea Vigil-26 provides a national-level opportunity to assess maritime security arrangements and coastal defence preparedness through the participation of various agencies and stakeholders.
Sea Vigil-26 is also a build-up to the Indian Navy's biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX). Together, Sea Vigil and TROPEX address the broader spectrum of maritime security challenges, extending from coastal defence to operations on the high seas.
The Ministry of Defence said the national-level exercise provides an opportunity to assess India's preparedness in maritime security and coastal defence. It is intended to provide a realistic assessment and contribute to further strengthening the country's maritime and national security.
