Joint coastal security drill ‘Sagar Kavach-2’ begins along Odisha and West Bengal coasts

A two-day joint coastal security exercise, ‘Sagar Kavach-2’, commenced this morning along the Odisha and West Bengal coastline, bringing together multiple Indian defence, paramilitary, and civilian agencies to test preparedness against seaborne terrorist threats.

According to reports, the large-scale drill involves the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, CISF, Forest Department, Fisheries Department, Customs, district administrations, Paradip Port authorities, and representatives from industrial establishments.

Conducted twice annually, the exercise was conceptualised after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to strengthen coastal security architecture.

Red And Blue Team Simulation

As part of the mock drill, participating forces have been divided into two groups. The Red Team, acting as infiltrators disguised as terrorists, is attempting to breach coastal defences by entering through waterways, mingling in urban and rural areas, and planting dummy explosives in sensitive locations.

Countering them, the Blue Team is carrying out intensified patrolling and surveillance operations to detect and neutralise the simulated threats.

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Fishermen Sensitised Ahead Of Exercise

In preparation for the exercise, local fishermen in Paradip and nearby areas were briefed over the past four days through public announcements and awareness drives. They were advised to carry valid identity cards and trawler registration documents while at sea and to immediately alert security personnel if they noticed any suspicious activity.

Sources cited officials who said the mock drill aims to expose gaps, test inter-agency coordination, and improve real-time response mechanisms along the eastern coast.

Further, by simulating infiltration attempts and urban concealment tactics, the exercise reinforces coastal defence readiness against possible asymmetric threats. The exercise will continue through Wednesday, with participating agencies expected to submit post-drill assessments to further refine India’s coastal security framework.