A two-day Coastal Security Exercise 'Sagar Kavach' for the state of Kerala, UTs of Mahe and Lakshadweep was conducted from 06 to 07 November 2025 to assess the preparedness of all agencies against asymmetric threats emanating from the sea. During the exercise, Indian Naval Ships, Coast Guard surface assets and patrol boats of Coastal Police, Customs, Marine Enforcement Wing and Cochin Port Authorities were deployed along the coast of Kerala and UTL. Extensive aerial surveillance was also undertaken by air assets of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. The exercise was conducted under the aegis of Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command who is also the Commander in Chief, Coastal Defence (South). Necessity of augmenting multi-layered security at sea, validation of security architecture of harbours, vital installations and technology driven surveillance mechanism to counter threat were the thrust areas exercised to strengthen the Coastal Security construct. Coastal security being a collective reasonability, the exercise witnessed collaboration and coordination amongst all stakeholders and emphasis on the role of fishing Community as 'Eyes and Ears' for the security agencies. The exercise was steered from Joint Operations Centre (Kochi), nodal centre for Coastal Security Operations and Exercises.
