Vasco, Nov. 12 -- The Indian Navy is conducting the fifth edition of the pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise 'Sea Vigil-26' across the country's coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone from November 11 to 19, with a focus on evaluating coastal security preparedness, identifying gaps in the existing defence mechanism and strengthening coordination among various maritime stakeholders.

The biennial exercise, led by the Indian Navy, is being conducted in two phases. The first phase, the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE), is underway from November 11 to 17, followed by the Sea Phase on November 18 and 19.

Speaking to ANI about the exercise, Capt James John, Officiating Chief Staff Officer, Goa Naval Area, said the first ...