The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the ‘Sagar Kavach’ security exercise along the 158 km coastline of West Bengal on February 21-22, 2025. This two-day operation aimed to assess and improve the coastal security system by involving various agencies in responding to simulated threats. The focus of the exercise was on improving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and fostering better inter-agency coordination to address potential threats along India’s eastern maritime border.
What Were the Key Scenarios in the ‘Sagar Kavach’ Exercise?
The ‘Sagar Kavach’ exercise was designed to simulate real-life security threats and measure the preparedness of maritime forces. Several threat-based scenarios were included in the drills:
- Hijacking Incidents: Security forces handled scenarios where fishing boats and barges were hijacked, replicating potential terrorist landings and hostage situations.
- Smuggling Operations: The drills tested the response to illegal transportation of goods and contraband along the coastline, a known security challenge in the region.
- IED Threats: The exercise also included the detection and disposal of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted on critical infrastructure, such as ports and jetties.
By covering a broad range of security threats, the exercise ensured that all agencies involved were well-equipped to deal with real-world situations.
Why is the ‘Sagar Kavach’ Exercise Important for West Bengal?
West Bengal’s coastline is strategically significant due to its geographical and economic features:
- Large Maritime Community: Over 330,000 fishermen and 16,000 fishing boats operate in the region, making security monitoring complex.
- High-Value Infrastructure: The presence of two major ports, several river ports, jetties, and industries makes it a potential target for security threats.
- Porous Borders: The region’s riverine geography creates challenges in monitoring unauthorized movements, making security exercises like ‘Sagar Kavach’ essential.
The continuous evolution of this exercise is part of a larger strategy to strengthen coastal security. Previous editions, such as the one held on September 25-26, 2024, focused on similar security challenges, demonstrating the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to proactive defense measures.
