Exercise “Sagar Kavach” Conducted off the Coast of Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep Islands

Exercise “Sagar Kavach” Conducted off the Coast of Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep Islands

A two-day Coastal Security Exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ was conducted from 24 to 26 April off the coast of Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep Islands, to assess the preparedness of all agencies towards dealing with an asymmetric threat emanating from the sea. More than 80 ships and patrol craft of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Police and other coastal security agencies participated in the exercise and undertook round-the-clock patrolling of the coastline. Extensive aerial surveillance of the coastal waters was also carried out by aircraft to detect the opposing force.

Vice Adm AR Karve, PVSM, AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command, who is also the Commander-in-Chief, Coastal Defence, reviewed the progress of the exercise with all concerned stakeholders on 25 April 2018 at the Joint Operations Centre, Kochi. Representatives of participating agencies viz. Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Coastal District Administration, Cochin Port, Fisheries Department, Marine Enforcement Wing and Central Industrial Security Force attended the review. Important issues, such as multi layer security, security of harbours and installations, requirement of boats for patrolling and training of coastal police personnel were discussed. The exercise concluded on the morning of 26 April 2018. An analysis of the exercise is in progress by all agencies with the aim of further strengthening the coastal security architecture.