Why in news?
The Indian Coast Guard recently completed Sagar Kavach‑02/25, a large‑scale coastal security drill conducted along the Maharashtra and Goa coastline from 19 to 20 November 2025. The exercise mobilised thousands of personnel and dozens of ships and aircraft to evaluate India’s preparedness against maritime threats and to strengthen coordination among security agencies.
Background
Sagar Kavach is a biannual coastal security exercise led by the Indian Coast Guard. It was instituted after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to test the readiness of coastal states and union territories to handle asymmetric threats such as infiltration by sea. The exercise involves the Indian Navy, coastal police, marine police, the Fisheries Department, Customs, port authorities and other agencies. Security forces are divided into a “Red Team” that simulates hostile elements and a “Blue Team” that defends critical infrastructure and intercepts intruders. Activities include intensive sea and air patrols, boarding operations, vehicle checks and mock attacks on ports and harbours.
Exercise 02/25 highlights
- Scale of participation: More than 6,000 personnel took part in the drill, supported by over 115 sea and air assets including Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships, Dornier aircraft, Chetak helicopters and air‑cushion vehicles.
- Multi‑agency involvement: Nineteen central agencies and thirteen state agencies participated, along with one major port, 21 minor ports and district‑level coastal authorities.
- Objectives: The exercise assessed the ability of participating agencies to prevent attacks on critical installations, respond to maritime contingencies and enhance communication and interoperability.
- Community engagement: Fishermen and coastal residents were encouraged to report suspicious vessels, recognising their vital role in coastal surveillance.
Why the drill matters
- Coastal security readiness: Regular drills expose gaps in surveillance, communication and response mechanisms, allowing authorities to improve procedures and equipment.
- Inter‑agency coordination: Simultaneous involvement of multiple agencies fosters cooperation and ensures that roles and responsibilities are clearly understood.
- Public awareness: By engaging fishermen and port workers, the exercise builds a culture of vigilance among those who spend much of their lives at sea.
Conclusion
Sagar Kavach remains a cornerstone of India’s coastal defence strategy. The successful completion of the 02/25 drill demonstrates improved readiness to deter and respond to seaborne threats. Continuous training, modern equipment and community participation will further enhance the effectiveness of India’s coastal security framework.
Sources: Press Information Bureau · ANI
