IndiaPosted at: Oct 7 2026 6:59PM


SAREX-2026 inaugurated as India reviews maritime search and rescue preparedness

New Delhi, Oct 7 (UNI) Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Wednesday inaugurated the Multinational Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026), underscoring the need for greater international cooperation and a whole-of-government approach to safeguarding lives at sea.
The exercise, scheduled to be conducted off Paradip on October 8, will see participation and observation by 32 delegates from 30 friendly foreign countries.
Addressing the gathering, Seth said the participation of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Coastal Police, ports, civil agencies, shipping community and international and regional partners reflected the need for coordinated efforts to deal with maritime emergencies.
“Modern maritime security is not the responsibility of any single agency,” he said, stressing the importance of a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Nation approach to strengthening maritime safety.
The minister highlighted India's efforts to enhance its Search and Rescue (SAR) architecture through international cooperation, preparedness and technological advancement.
He noted that India's satellite-aided SAR capability had evolved progressively from Low Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (LEOSAR) to Geostationary Search and Rescue (GEOSAR) and now towards Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR).
Seth described the achievement of full operational capability of India's Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminal (MEOLUT) as a significant advancement in the country's satellite-aided SAR capabilities. He congratulated ISRO and other agencies involved in the initiative, saying their efforts would further strengthen India's national maritime rescue capabilities.
Calling upon participating agencies and international partners to renew their commitment to saving lives at sea, Seth invoked the principle of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, saying collective efforts would help create a safer, more resilient and cooperative maritime community.
As India works towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, its maritime SAR capabilities must become “faster, accurate and more resilient”, the minister said.
He added that a developed India must also emerge as a safe, resilient and technologically advanced maritime nation, pointing to the Indian Coast Guard's motto, “Vayam Rakshamah” or “We Protect”.
SAREX-2026 is aimed at validating operational preparedness, enhancing interoperability among participating agencies and countries, testing joint response mechanisms and facilitating the exchange of best practices. The preservation of life at sea remains the primary objective of the exercise.
Earlier in the day, the 24th National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board meeting was held under the chairmanship of Indian Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani, who is also Chairman of the NMSAR Board.
The meeting reviewed the preparedness of maritime SAR operations across India's 4.6 million sq km Search and Rescue Region (ISRR).
The deliberations focused on technological integration, real-time information sharing, distress-alert management, vessel tracking and coordination among various agencies. These discussions provided the operational framework for SAREX-2026.
Sivamani stressed that lessons learnt from previous rescue missions and multi-agency exercises should translate directly into enhanced mission readiness and faster response capabilities.
The meeting also featured the presentation of the National Maritime Search & Rescue Awards 2026, recognising exemplary efforts in saving lives at sea.UNI PWS AAB
Tags: #SAREX-2026 inaugurated as India reviews maritime search and rescue preparedness
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