FIGHTING MARITIME THREATS

India plans first full-spectrum exercise to assess the response of nine stakeholders and agencies involved in coastal security

A senior naval officer says any and every contingency which could crop up in the near future will be tested during this exercise

The exercise will also test reaction time and coordination between the agencies to deal with incoming threats

The Achilles heel of India’s coastal security remains small fishing boats, especially those under 20 meters long

Of the 280,000-odd fishing boats registered across states, 220,000 fall in this category

The stakeholders are

Indian Navy, which will lead the exercise

Directorate General of Shipping, which controls merchant shipping

Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, which tracks incoming and outgoing ships Marine Police of coastal states Indian Coast Guard Intelligence agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing Customs department

Local police

Fishermen