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Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-10-08 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Indian Coast Guard, Maritime Security, Search and Rescue ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-10-08 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Indian Coast Guard, Maritime Security, Search and Rescue ///

News · GS Paper 3

SAREX-2026: India's Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise

The 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) is being conducted by the Indian Coast Guard off the Paradip coast, Odisha, with participation from 30 countries. It simulates a mass rescue operation involving a passenger aircraft ditching at sea and colliding with a container vessel. The exercise strengthens India's maritime SAR framework and supports the SAGAR and MAHASAGAR visions.

2026-10-08

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Key Facts

Event: 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026)
Organiser: Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
Location: Off Paradip coast, Odisha
Participants: 32 observers from 30 countries
Forces Involved: ICG, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force
Assets: 15 ICG ships, 2 Indian Navy ships, 2 Dornier aircraft, 3 Advanced Light Helicopters, 1 Chetak helicopter, 1 C-130J aircraft, Mi-17 helicopters
Scenario: Mass Rescue Operation simulating a passenger aircraft (228 persons) ditching at sea and colliding with container vessel MV Zumba
Significance: Supports SAGAR and MAHASAGAR visions; develops faster, technology-enabled, internationally coordinated maritime SAR framework

Background

The Indian Coast Guard is an Armed Force of the Union constituted under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
It is responsible for safeguarding India's maritime interests and sovereign rights.
It acts as the central coordinating authority for oil-spill response in India's maritime zones.
SAREX is a biennial national exercise aimed at enhancing maritime search and rescue capabilities.

Participating Forces and Assets

Indian Coast Guard: 15 ships
Indian Navy: 2 ships
Indian Air Force: C-130J aircraft, Mi-17 helicopters
Other assets: 2 Dornier aircraft, 3 Advanced Light Helicopters, 1 Chetak helicopter

Objective and Scenario

The exercise simulates a Mass Rescue Operation involving simultaneous aeronautical and maritime emergencies.
The scenario involves a passenger aircraft carrying 228 persons ditching at sea and colliding with container vessel MV Zumba.

Significance

Supports India's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR.
Enhances international interoperability in maritime search and rescue.
Develops a faster, technology-enabled, and internationally coordinated maritime SAR framework.
Strengthens India's role as a responsible maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region.

Related Constitutional/Legal Provisions

Coast Guard Act, 1978: Establishes the Indian Coast Guard as an armed force of the Union.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): Provides the legal framework for maritime search and rescue obligations.
International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention, 1979): To which India is a party.

Way Forward

Continued international cooperation in maritime SAR.
Integration of advanced technology for faster response.
Capacity building of coastal states.