Published: 18 November 2025PIBDefence Security
Sagar Kavach-02/25: ICG Coastal Security Exercise Maharashtra-Goa
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted Sagar Kavach-02/25, a large-scale multi-agency coastal security exercise along the Maharashtra-Goa coastline on November 19–20, 2025. The exercise involved over 6,000 personnel and 115+ assets including ships, boats, aircraft, and surveillance systems.
Sagar Kavach is a periodic coastal security exercise conducted by ICG to assess and strengthen the coastal security apparatus following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The exercises are designed to simulate real-world threats including maritime terrorism, infiltration by sea, and piracy, and to test the interoperability of multiple agencies.
Participating agencies in Sagar Kavach-02/25 included the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Marine Police, Customs, Port Authorities, Fisheries Department, CISF, State Police, and intelligence agencies. The exercise tested coastal surveillance radars, vessel monitoring systems, and quick-reaction protocols at key ports and fishing harbours.
Key objectives of the exercise included: testing response time to maritime security threats; validating communication and coordination between central and state agencies; checking the readiness of coastal police stations (CPSs); and assessing the effectiveness of automatic identification systems (AIS) for vessel tracking.
The Maharashtra-Goa coast is strategically sensitive given its proximity to international shipping lanes, fishing communities, and major ports like Mumbai, JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port), and Mormugao. Regular exercises like Sagar Kavach are critical to maintaining a robust coastal security grid under the National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS) framework.
0Mains angle
Q: Evaluate the role of Sagar Kavach-02/25 in strengthening India's post-26/11 coastal security architecture.
Answer (50 words):
The Indian Coast Guard conducted Sagar Kavach-02/25, a large-scale multi-agency coastal security exercise along Maharashtra-Goa coast on 19-20 November 2025, involving over 6,000 personnel and 115 assets. Instituted after 26/11 Mumbai attacks, it tested inter-agency coordination, coastal radars, AIS tracking, and response time against maritime terrorism, strengthening the NCSMCS framework.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Sagar Kavach and why is it conducted periodically?
Sagar Kavach is a multi-agency coastal security exercise conducted by the Indian Coast Guard to assess and strengthen India's coastal security apparatus following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It tests maritime terrorism response, infiltration prevention, and inter-agency coordination.
Which coastline was covered in Sagar Kavach-02/25 and how large was the exercise?
Sagar Kavach-02/25 covered the Maharashtra-Goa coastline on November 19–20, 2025, involving 6,000+ personnel and 115+ ships, aircraft, boats, and surveillance systems.
Which agencies participated in Sagar Kavach-02/25?
Participating agencies included the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Marine Police, Customs, Port Authorities, Fisheries Department, CISF, State Police, and various intelligence agencies.
What is the NCSMCS and what is its role in coastal security?
NCSMCS (National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security) is the apex body coordinating coastal security in India. Exercises like Sagar Kavach are conducted under its framework to ensure readiness of all agencies.
Why is the Maharashtra-Goa coast strategically significant?
The Maharashtra-Goa coast is proximate to international shipping lanes, major ports (Mumbai, JNPT, Mormugao), and fishing communities — making it sensitive to maritime terrorism, smuggling, and infiltration by sea.
