- Overview: The Indian Navy, in coordination with the Coast Guard and marine police of all 13 coastal states and Union Territories, has launched ‘Exercise Sea Vigil 2026’, the nation’s largest coastal defense exercise.
- Key Points:
- 360-Degree Security: The drill aims to secure India’s entire 7,516 km coastline and its massive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) against asymmetric threats like maritime terrorism and smuggling.
- Inter-Agency Synergy: Tests the communication and operational readiness of over 15 different government agencies, ensuring a seamless response to a ’26/11 style’ infiltration attempt.
- Island Defense: Special focus is being placed on the fortification of the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep archipelagos, utilizing newly installed coastal radar chains.
- Strategic Message: Reassures the nation of absolute maritime border security amidst the ongoing naval disruptions in the Middle East and Indian Ocean Region.
- Source Link: Indian Navy Coastal Security Updates
- Q2. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a country’s ‘Exclusive Economic Zone’ (EEZ) generally extends up to how many nautical miles from its coastal baseline?
- A) 12 Nautical Miles
- B) 24 Nautical Miles
- C) 100 Nautical Miles
- D) 200 Nautical Miles
