New Delhi: The Indian Navy is coordinating the fifth edition of the Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise 'Sea Vigil-26' from November 11 to 19, 2026, to assess India's preparedness against maritime security threats. The nine-day exercise spans the country's entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), bringing together coastal states, Union Territories and multiple maritime stakeholders.
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The exercise is being conducted in two phases. The Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase runs from November 11 to 17, followed by the Sea Phase on November 18 and 19. The drills are designed to evaluate operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and the effectiveness of existing coastal security arrangements.
Assets from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Security Police, Customs and other maritime agencies are participating. Fishing and coastal communities are also being involved, recognising their important role in coastal surveillance and the early identification of suspicious maritime activity.
The exercise is being facilitated through coordination among the Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, alongside central agencies and coastal state and UT administrations.
Conceptualised in 2018 following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Sea Vigil was introduced to validate and strengthen the coastal security framework established after the attacks. Its fifth edition will provide an opportunity to assess the country's preparedness against infiltration, maritime threats and potential security breaches along its coastline.
Sea Vigil-26 will also serve as a build-up to the Indian Navy's biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX). While Sea Vigil focuses on coastal defence, the two exercises together will cover the wider spectrum of maritime security challenges, extending from coastal waters to operations in high seas.
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