A comprehensive two-day Coastal Security Exercise, Sagar Kavach 02/23, was conducted by the Indian Navy in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and the UT of Puducherry from October 11-12, 2023. The exercise involved all maritime security agencies and was executed under the authority of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command (FOCINC East), who also holds the position of Commander-in-Chief, Coastal Defence (East). Approximately 2500 personnel from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, State and Union Territory Administrations, Marine Police, Fisheries, Customs, Intelligence Agencies, Lighthouses, Ports, and Forest departments participated in the exercise.
The primary objective of Sagar Kavach 02/23 was to assess the efficacy and robustness of the coastal security mechanism in dealing with asymmetric threats emanating from the sea. Indian Naval Ships, along with assets from the Coast Guard and other coastal security agencies, were deployed to enhance surveillance in the area. The exercise included heightened security measures and extensive aerial surveillance conducted by Dornier aircraft and helicopters operating from Visakhapatnam, Chennai, and Ramnathapuram. The Joint Operations Centre (East) in Visakhapatnam, serving as the nodal hub for all coastal security operations and exercises in the region, closely monitored the exercise.
The exercise demonstrated close coordination and synergy among all coastal security stakeholders. The lessons learned from Sagar Kavach 02/23 will be incorporated to strengthen the coastal security architecture, ensuring a more effective response to potential threats.