Overview: Multi-Agency Coordination in Action

The Indian Navy, in coordination with multiple central and state agencies, conducted the ‘Prasthan’ maritime security exercise off the coast of Kakinada to evaluate India’s offshore security preparedness. The biannual drill, held under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, simulated a variety of real-world scenarios—ranging from oil platform emergencies, terrorist intrusions, fire incidents, and medical evacuations, to pollution control and disaster response.

Agencies that participated included the Indian Coast Guard, ONGC, Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), Port Authorities, Marine Police, Fisheries Department, and representatives from the District Administration. The exercise ensured a coordinated response mechanism to contingencies affecting offshore installations, which form the backbone of India’s energy infrastructure.

Strategic Importance: Securing the East Coast and the Indo-Pacific

The Kakinada offshore region is a key hub for oil and gas exploration on India’s East Coast, complementing the western offshore fields near Mumbai. Ensuring security in this zone is crucial, given the increasing maritime activity in the Bay of Bengal, and its proximity to critical sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) in the Indo-Pacific.

‘Prasthan’ thus reinforces India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests, not only from traditional threats like piracy or terrorism but also from non-traditional risks such as accidents, environmental hazards, and cyber vulnerabilities affecting offshore energy infrastructure. The drill also supports India’s vision of a “Safe, Secure, and Stable Indian Ocean Region” (SAGAR), strengthening maritime readiness on the eastern seaboard.

Institutional Coordination and Capability Building

One of the core objectives of the ‘Prasthan’ exercise is to enhance inter-agency synergy. The drill brings together defence, civil, and private stakeholders, ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined in the event of an offshore crisis.

Private sector entities such as ONGC, GAIL, and private oil operators play a pivotal role in implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for emergency response. The exercise also tests communication networks, rescue coordination centres, and command hierarchies, ensuring seamless civil-military cooperation during emergencies.

Policy Implications: Maritime Domain Awareness and Energy Security

The ‘Prasthan Drill’ underscores the growing emphasis on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)—the ability to detect, track, and respond to maritime threats in real time. It highlights the need for integrated surveillance, modernisation of offshore safety protocols, and closer coordination between the Navy, Coast Guard, and private operators.

In the broader policy context, the exercise contributes to India’s Blue Economy framework by securing offshore assets vital to the nation’s energy supply chain. As India expands its offshore exploration footprint, ensuring security, sustainability, and preparedness remains key to balancing growth with resilience.

Conclusion

The ‘Prasthan’ exercise off Kakinada showcases India’s comprehensive approach to maritime security—where defence preparedness, energy security, and environmental safety converge. Through such coordinated drills, India continues to build an integrated and resilient maritime security architecture along its strategic eastern coastline.