In a significant move to bolster its coastal security framework, India is set to organize a comprehensive pan-India coastal defence exercise, labeled ‘Sea Vigil-24’. This fourth edition of the exercise will bring together troops from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, highlighting the nation’s commitment to maritime safety and national security.

The exercise is particularly noteworthy as it will see participation from over 20 agencies, including various governmental and non-governmental organizations, emphasizing a collaborative approach to coastal security. The Indian Navy is at the forefront of this initiative, assessing readiness levels and operational capabilities to thwart potential threats along India’s extensive coastline.

As part of the preparations, naval officers are actively training personnel from the Andhra Pradesh Marine Police and lighthouse staff, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their responsibilities during the exercise. The focus on multi-agency collaboration reflects the complexity of modern maritime security, where threats are often intertwined and require coordinated responses.

The ‘Sea Vigil’ series of exercises has historically aimed to evaluate real-time maritime surveillance, response strategies, and the overall preparedness of the coastal security apparatus. This year’s exercise will undoubtedly serve as a critical platform for reviewing and enhancing the capabilities of various agencies involved in maritime safety, ensuring a robust defence posture against potential maritime threats.

With India facing various challenges in its coastal regions, including smuggling, illegal fishing, and terrorism-related activities, the need for a well-coordinated defense strategy has never been more pressing. ‘Sea Vigil-24’ is poised to be a landmark initiative in strengthening India’s coastal security, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-prepared to address threats effectively and efficiently.

As the date of the exercise approaches, anticipation builds among the participating agencies and the Indian public alike, with a collective emphasis on safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders and ensuring the safety of its waters.

The Indian Navy is set to conduct the fourth edition of its comprehensive coastal defence exercise, known as ‘Sea Vigil-24’, on November 20 and 21. This pan-India initiative aims to assess the preparedness of coastal security measures and will engage six ministries alongside 21 organizations and agencies.

Since the end of October, naval officers responsible for each coastal state and Union Territory, including the strategically important Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, have been actively participating in the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase of the exercise. This crucial phase involves a detailed audit of the nation’s coastal defence and security infrastructure.

For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will join the Indian Navy-led teams undertaking the CDSRE, a significant step towards enhancing inter-agency cooperation. The teams will also consist of personnel from various sectors, including state marine police, Coast Guard, customs, and fisheries, further broadening the exercise’s reach and effectiveness.

The focus of ‘Sea Vigil-24’ will be on reinforcing the security of vital coastal assets, such as ports, oil rigs, and critical infrastructures like single-point moorings and cable landing points. Ensuring the safety of the coastal population will also be a priority, and the exercise is designed to engage and raise awareness among local communities, including fishermen and students from organizations like the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides.

Originally launched in 2018, Sea Vigil was conceived in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to bolster measures aimed at coastal defence. Spanning the vast 11,098 km coastline and the extensive 2.4 million square km Exclusive Economic Zone, this exercise is notable for its inclusion of all maritime stakeholders and its simultaneous engagement with members of the fishing community.

While individual coastal states and maritime security agencies conduct regular exercises, Sea Vigil stands out as a national-level initiative. It provides a comprehensive assessment of India’s maritime defence and security capabilities. This year’s exercise has been amplified by increased participation from other branches of the armed services, including the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, as well as the planned deployment of numerous ships and aircraft.

‘Sea Vigil-24’ is positioned as a precursor to the Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), which takes place biennially under the auspices of the Indian Navy. The upcoming exercise is an essential aspect of reinforcing India’s dedication to safeguarding its maritime boundaries and fostering coordinated efforts among all stakeholders involved in coastal defence.

Over the weekend, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Indian Army, made a noteworthy visit to the Army Research and Referral Hospital located in Delhi Cantonment. The purpose of his visit was to meet Honorary Captain Bana Singh, a distinguished Paramvir Chakra (PVC) awardee and a highly esteemed figure in the Indian military community.

Bana Singh, who is now 75 years old, is celebrated for his extraordinary contributions during one of the most significant operations in the history of the Indian Armed Forces. In June 1987, while serving as a Naib Subedar with the 8th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI), Singh spearheaded a daring assault aimed at dislodging the Pakistan Army from a strategically placed post on the Siachen Glacier. The successful capture of what is now referred to as the ‘Quaid Post,’ located at an altitude of 21,153 feet, earned him the nation’s highest award for bravery in the face of enemy action, the Paramvir Chakra.

Singh is one of only three living PVC recipients, alongside Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar and Honorary Captain Yogendra Yadav. His actions during the operation have become part of military folklore in India, with his name synonymous with bravery and sacrifice.

At the time of the operation, the Pakistan Army had established the Quaid Post on the Saltoro Ridge, providing them with a crucial vantage point over the Siachen Glacier and the movements of the Indian Army. The post was perched atop a daunting 1,500-foot ice wall, creating significant challenges for any forces attempting to approach without being detected.

The initial Indian control of the Siachen Glacier occurred in 1984 during Operation Meghdoot. Following this, Pakistan attempted to regain control by establishing the Quaid Post. In response, India initiated Operation Rajiv in 1987, named in honor of Second Lieutenant Rajiv Pandey, with the objective of reclaiming the post. The mission was fraught with danger; Naib Subedar Bana Singh volunteered to join a special task force and skillfully navigated the steep ice wall under severe weather conditions. Despite encountering weapon malfunctions due to the extreme cold, Singh and his team pushed onward. The confrontation culminated in intense hand-to-hand combat, resulting in the successful capture of the post. A day after the victory, the Indian Army honored Singh by renaming a nearby peak “Bana Top.”

The Siachen Glacier, located at India’s northernmost frontier, is a vital part of the Saltoro Ridge, marking the boundary between the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and the Aksai Chin region of India. The glacier and its surrounding high grounds are critical military positions, with the Indian Army maintaining dominance in the area as a strategic buffer for routes leading into Ladakh. Military operations in this region have escalated since the mid-1980s, reflecting the ongoing rivalry between India and Pakistan over territorial claims.

The question of whether the Siachen region can be de-militarized has emerged periodically, with Pakistan suggesting such an initiative in diplomatic discussions. However, no formal agreement has been reached. From Pakistan’s perspective, the Indian Army’s control over the region poses threats to the Saltoro Ridge. Conversely, India views its military presence as essential for national security and territorial integrity. Since the ceasefire agreement in 2003, active hostilities have diminished, yet both countries continue to station troops in the region, while India’s military remains equipped with advanced surveillance systems and modern weaponry to ensure its strategic interests are protected.

General Dwivedi’s visit to honor Bana Singh reflects the profound respect given to the legacy of those who have bravely served in defense of the nation. As the Indian Army continues to protect the Siachen Glacier and others in the region from potential threats, the heroic legacy of soldiers like Honorary Captain Bana Singh stands as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity.

New Delhi is gearing up for a significant pan-India coastal defence exercise, ‘Exercise Sea Vigil,’ scheduled for November 20-21. This initiative, spearheaded by the Indian Navy, aims to assess the current preparedness of all maritime security agencies operating along India’s extensive coastline. The exercise will not only identify the strengths and weaknesses of these agencies but also enhance the overall maritime defence framework of the nation.

Originally conceptualised in 2018 in response to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, ‘Exercise Sea Vigil’ has evolved into a comprehensive evaluation tool for bolstering coastal security. This year’s iteration marks the fourth edition of the exercise and promises unprecedented scale, featuring increased participation from various servicemen, including the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The exercise will involve a significant deployment of ships and aircraft, marking an escalation in operational tempo compared to previous drills.

The exercise encompasses a broad geographical expanse, engaging six ministries and 21 organisations and agencies, making it a national-level initiative. Unlike routine coastal security drills conducted by individual states or agencies, ‘Exercise Sea Vigil’ provides a holistic appraisal of India’s maritime security capabilities, thereby playing a pivotal role in national defence.

As part of the exercise, the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase is currently underway. Naval officer-in-charges of all coastal states and Union Territories, including Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, are conducting thorough audits of the coastal defence and security infrastructure. This year marks a notable addition to the exercise, as officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will join the Indian Navy-led CDSRE teams for the first time, collaborating with various personnel from state marine police, the coast guard, customs, and fisheries.

The focus of ‘Exercise Sea Vigil’ will include strengthening the security of critical coastal assets such as ports, oil rigs, single-point moorings, cable landing points, and other essential infrastructure that sustains coastal populations. With India boasting an impressive 11,098-km coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.4 million square kilometres, the exercise will engage the entire coastal security infrastructure and all maritime stakeholders, including local fishing communities and residents living along the coast.

One of the key objectives of the exercise is to raise awareness among coastal communities regarding maritime security. The involvement of local fishing communities, the coastal populace, and students from organizations such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the Bharat Scouts and Guides will add enthusiasm and a community-oriented approach to the exercise.

Moreover, ‘Exercise Sea Vigil’ serves as a precursor to the Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), which is conducted biennially by the Indian Navy. It stands as a vital measure in reinforcing India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime boundaries and ensuring that all stakeholders in coastal defence collaborate effectively. The exercise underscores the importance of collective efforts in maintaining security and preparedness in India’s maritime domain.

From Sunday until Wednesday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will convene its biennial commanders’ meet at Vayu Bhavan in the national capital. This closed-door meeting aims to address a broad range of strategic, operational, and tactical issues that the force currently faces, alongside pivotal discussions on human resources, training specifics, and logistical requirements.

A significant highlight of the agenda will be the insights gained from ‘Exercise Gagan Shakti,’ conducted from April 1 to 10. This exercise marked a historic milestone for the IAF, being the largest of its kind to date, designed to test war-fighting tactics and techniques in a cooperative framework with the Indian Army and Navy. During the exercise, IAF fighter jets and helicopters were deployed from various locations across the country to simulate engagements with ‘pseudo targets’ at Pokhran. Approximately 10,000 airmen participated, with many being relocated by the Army to facilitate the operation.

The joint exercise’s relevance is underscored by the ongoing military reform initiatives aimed at promoting ‘theaterization,’ ‘integration,’ and ‘jointness’ among the Indian Armed Forces. This shift from traditional silo operations embodies a strategic evolution deemed “historic” by experts. Particularly noteworthy is that ‘Gagan Shakti’ framed military strategies around a potential two-front war, involving logistical considerations pertinent to both the western front against Pakistan and the northern front facing China.

The IAF is still grappling with a significant shortfall in its fleet, currently operating 31 squadrons—approximately 200 aircraft fewer than the desired 42-squadron standard essential for engaging in a two-front conflict. This challenge is compounded by the slow production rates of the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and extended timelines for foreign procurements. Reports suggest that the IAF may consider revising its 42-squadron benchmark due to these concerns, with military officials asserting that the existing number may be insufficient for the anticipated confrontations.

The current lineup of IAF’s fighter aircraft includes 12 squadrons of Sukhoi-30s, six squadrons of Jaguars, along with three squadrons each of Mirage 2000s, MiG 29s, and MiG 21s, in addition to two squadrons each of Rafales and Tejas aircraft. Overall, the IAF’s fleet comprises fewer than 1,700 aircraft, which includes fighters, transport planes, trainers, special mission aircraft, tankers, and helicopters. The IAF is supported by roughly 150,000 active personnel, tasked with overseeing airspace that spans over 40 million cubic kilometers.

The IAF operates through seven distinct commands located across the country, namely: Western Command (Delhi), Central Air Command (Prayagraj), South Western Air Command (Gandhinagar), Southern Command (Thiruvananthapuram), Eastern Command (Shillong), Training Command (Bengaluru), and Maintenance Command (Nagpur). The upcoming meeting will serve as a crucial platform for addressing these pivotal topics and strategizing on future operational readiness amidst pressing challenges.

The Indian Army’s recruitment rallies in various districts of the Kashmir Valley are providing a significant opportunity for thousands of unemployed youth. Recently, thousands of young men have lined up at recruitment venues, driven by the aspiration of serving the country and the dream of joining the Indian Army. The atmosphere at these events has been one of hope and determination, particularly in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, where over 20,000 applicants gathered at the 161 Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army in Gantmulla.

However, the excitement among the applicants is tempered by the reality of limited opportunities, as only 306 posts were available at this particular rally. Many candidates expressed their disappointment over the small number of openings, but the overwhelming sense of pride and motivation was evident.

One aspiring recruit, Syed Toufiq Geelani, shared his journey, stating, “It’s a very happy moment for me. It has been a long time since the recruitment was not happening, and I have been practicing for over three years for this day. Finally doing excellently here has given me great happiness.” Geelani emphasized that joining the army had been his lifelong dream, a vision that motivated him to join the National Cadet Corps (NCC).

The backdrop of these recruitment rallies is a region grappling with chronic unemployment issues. Many candidates present were graduates and postgraduates, eager for stable jobs and motivated by a strong desire to serve their nation. A common request among the youth was for the Indian Army to conduct more such recruitment drives in the Valley to help address the high unemployment rates.

Another candidate, Sahil Manzoor from the Pattan area, echoed the sentiments of many. “I have always been dreaming about joining the Indian Army. I have been coming for three days and waiting for a chance to participate in the recruitment. The Indian Army has been supportive while taking us tests. They have been motivating us, and that’s why I have got excellent remarks.” Manzoor acknowledged the employment crisis in the region but stressed the importance of passion and determination in achieving one’s goals.

Despite the recent surge in terror attacks targeting both security forces and civilians, the turnout at the recruitment rallies remains substantial. This strong attendance signifies a collective resilience among the youth, showcasing their commitment to national service in the face of adversity. Young recruits are eager to contribute positively to the region, determined to protect and serve while navigating the challenges presented by an environment fraught with violence and uncertainty. The recruitment rallies continue to inspire hope for a better future among the youth of Kashmir.