A two-day Coastal Security Exercise Sagar Kavach for state of Kerala and UT of Mahe was conducted from 18 to 19 April 2023 under the aegis of FOCINC, SNC, who is designated as Commander-in-Chief, Coastal Defence(South). The exercise was aimed at evaluating threats emanating from sea and validate effectiveness of Coastal Security mechanism. The exercise was conducted in coordination with all coastal security stakeholders such as Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Customs, Fisheries, Minor Ports, Intelligence agencies, Cochin Port including fishing and coastal communities. As part of exercise, real time threats and contingencies were simulated to assess preparedness level of coastal security agencies. Enhanced security measures were instituted and entire coastline was kept under strict surveillance and vigil. Deployment of coastal security apparatus including ships, patrol crafts and aircraft of Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and other Maritime Security agencies were undertaken in territorial waters and adjoining seas. Naval aircraft based at INS Garuda undertook extensive surveillance off coast of Kerala. The exercise witnessed close coordination among all coastal security stakeholders. Lessons learnt from exercise would be incorporated to improve robustness of coastal security setup.
