Kochi: A two-day coastal security exercise, Sagar Kavach, was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy in association with various maritime security stakeholders along the coast of Kerala and the Union Territories of Mahe and Lakshadweep during November 6 and 7. The exercise was held to assess the preparedness of various maritime and coastal agencies against asymmetric threats from the sea.

The exercise, aimed at validating and strengthening the multi-layered coastal security architecture, saw the participation of the Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Customs, Marine Enforcement Wing, and Cochin Port authorities.

Conducted under the aegis of Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, and Commander-in-Chief, Coastal Defence (South), the exercise focused on testing coordination and response mechanisms among multiple stakeholders. The exercise was directed and monitored from the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at Kochi, which serves as the nodal hub for coastal security operations and exercises in the region.

A wide range of assets, including naval ships, Coast Guard vessels, and patrol boats, were deployed, while aerial surveillance was carried out by aircraft and helicopters. Key areas of emphasis included augmenting security layers at sea, validating harbour and port security architecture, safeguarding vital installations, and enhancing technology-driven surveillance systems to counter potential maritime threats. 

Highlighting the collective nature of coastal security, the exercise underscored the importance of seamless coordination among central, state, and local agencies. Special focus was also placed on involving the fishing community as the ‘eyes and ears’ of security forces in early detection and reporting of suspicious activities.