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Defence Minister AK Antony on Sunday called for eternal vigil along India's coastal areas, stressing that security threats from the sea were on the rise.

"Today's maritime challenges are far more demanding. Security threats are not only from land but increasingly from the sea. With the borders being sealed, terrorists are more likely to use the sea route to infiltrate. Maritime terrorists, drug trafficking and piracy are increasing along the coast," Antony said while speaking at a maritime seminar organised by the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.

He added that these threats could be curtailed only through the joint efforts of the coastal states and the central government.

"To help maintain vigil along the coast, the Centre is helping state governments to set up coastal police stations and also in strengthening the physical and human infrastructure," the minister said.

The seminar was aimed at creating awareness and highlighting Kerala's key role in India's maritime security.

Antony asked authorities to ensure that the civil society also benefited from the increased maritime activities and cited the legendary boat builders of Beypore in north Kerala.

"We must rekindle the Beypore spirit and Kerala should become a leader in modern shipbuilding. We must make a collective effort to redeem the skills of our boat builders," he said.