Exercise Prasthan
Prasthan is a naval exercise conducted by the Indian Navy off the coast of Mumbai in November 2021. The exercise was conducted by the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy.
What are the objectives of Prasthan?
- The exercise aims to ensure offshore security. Also, it aims to integrate maritime stakeholders. This includes ONGC, Navy, Coast Guard, Airforce, Port Trust, State Fisheries Department and Marine Police.
- It focused on terrorist intrusion, major fire, bomb explosion, man overboard, oil spill, loss of control of vessel, casualty evacuation and mass evacuation.
- The Exercise encourages readiness to respond, coordinated operations and combat contingencies.
What is the need for Exercise Prasthan?
It is essential for the Indian Navy to remain vigil. This is because, the Indian coast and ports are prone to several maritime security threats. They are as follows:
- After 26/11 there is no incident of maritime terrorism in India. However, the terror groups are training for underwater attacks.
- Armed robbery in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat
- Illegal fishing in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Poaching of sea cucumbers in Lakshadweep
- Drug trafficking in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra
- Gold smuggling in Tamil Nadu
- Red Sandalwood smuggling in Maharashtra and Gujarat
- Fuel smuggling in Andhra Pradesh
- Turmeric smuggling in Tamil Nadu
In order to keep the above illegal activities under control, the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy should always keep themselves prepared. Thus, it is essential to conduct exercises like Prasthan.
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