IndiaSAREX-2026 tests mass-rescue coordination off Paradip with observers from 30 countries
The 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise brought Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, ports and civil agencies together around a technology-enabled mass-rescue scenario.
THE INDIQA Research DeskPublished 10 Oct 2026Updated 10 Oct 20261 min read
The Indian Coast Guard conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, SAREX-2026, off Paradip in Odisha on 8 October. The exercise involved the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, shipping and port authorities, fisheries, customs, marine police and the Odisha administration. Thirty-two observers from 30 countries attended.
The theme was using technology to strengthen search-and-rescue preparedness and maritime safety. The exercise simulated complex distress situations requiring coordination across maritime and aeronautical agencies.
Search and rescue is a governance problem as much as an operational one. Response time depends on distress-alert systems, communication standards, asset availability and clear command relationships across agencies.
For civil-services preparation, SAREX is a case study in disaster management, maritime governance and inter-agency coordination. Exercise performance demonstrates preparedness, not the absence of future risk; real incidents still depend on surveillance, weather, communications and rapid mobilisation.
CIVIL SERVICES VIEWStudy this development
GS-IIIDisaster management; maritime security; inter-agency coordinationPrelims: HighMains: HighAdvanced
Why this matters
The Indian Coast Guard conducted SAREX-2026 off Paradip on 8 October with participation from multiple national agencies and international observers.
Key facts
- SAREX-2026 was the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise.
- It was conducted off Paradip, Odisha.
- Thirty-two observers from 30 countries attended.
Key terms
- SAREX
- maritime search and rescue
- Indian Coast Guard
- interoperability
Arguments, challenges and policy responses
- Whole-of-government disaster response
- Maritime distress-alert systems
- International SAR cooperation
India’s context
The exercise tests whether multiple maritime and civil agencies can share alerts, command structures and rescue assets during a mass-casualty scenario.
Keep in mind
Exercise participation does not mean a standing multinational rescue command has been created.
Practice question
Why is maritime search and rescue primarily an inter-agency coordination challenge?
Revision summary
- The exercise tests whether multiple maritime and civil agencies can share alerts, command structures and rescue assets during a mass-casualty scenario.
- SAREX-2026 was the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise.
- It was conducted off Paradip, Odisha.
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