India will exercise constant vigil along the highly sensitive coastal belts of the country in the wake of serious threats posed by maritime terrorism and infiltration along coastal areas, Defence Minister A K Antony said on Monday.

The threat posed by maritime terrorism and infiltration along the vast stretches of the coastal belt was a matter of grave concern, with India having sensitive installations in close proximity to the sea.

The government will equip the navy and coast guard and provide expertise and equipment to coastal police to face the challenges, he said.

"In the olden days, the Himalayan region was perceived to be the nation's borders while the vast stretch of the coastal belt was considered as good pitch for fish wealth and minerals. But with its vital installations around the sea, any mishappenings along the sea-belt and ports would lead the nation to serious chaos, especially hitting our entire oil needs," Antony said.

On the extensive damage caused by bombing on the oil storage tank, partly owned by the Indian Oil Corporation in Colombo, by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, he said India was concerned over the situation in Sri Lanka.

The navy was maintaining a round-the-clock watch over the emerging situation in the neighbouring country, he said.

Laying the foundation stone for the Indian Naval Hospital Ship Navjivani on his maiden visit to Ezhimala naval academy after assuming charge, he said work at the prestigious academy would be over by 2008 end.