A two-day comprehensive Coastal Security Exercise Sagar Kavach 01/23 involving all maritime security agencies was conducted in the UT of Lakshadweep from 03-04 May 2023. The exercise was executed under the aegis of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command, FOCINC SNC who also exercises the authority of Commander-in-Chief, Coastal Defence (South). About 1000 personnel from all law enforcement agencies including UT of Lakshadweep Administration, Coastal Police, Indian Reserve Battalion, and Dept of Port were engaged in the exercise.
The exercise aimed to assess the efficacy and robustness of the coastal security mechanism of the islands while dealing with an asymmetric threat emanating from the sea. INS Jamuna, INS Kalpeni along with assets of the Indian Coast Guard, ICG and other coastal security agencies were deployed to maintain surveillance in the area. Enhanced security measures were instituted in the islands and extensive aerial surveillance was undertaken by Dornier aircraft operating from Kochi. The exercise was closely monitored at Joint Operations Centre, Kochi which is the nodal hub for all coastal security operations and exercises in the area of operations.
The exercise witnessed close coordination and synergy among all coastal security stakeholders. Lessons learnt from the exercise would be incorporated to strengthen the coastal security architecture.
