‘We don’t distinguish between nations’: Coast Guard chief on rescue operations

Paramesh Sivamani, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), affirmed on Wednesday that the organization is dedicated to saving lives at sea without considering national boundaries. Speaking to reporters prior to the 12th national-level Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026), Sivamani highlighted that several countries look to India during crises.

The ICG has enhanced its capacities, refined its procedures, and fine-tuned its standard operating protocols over time, establishing a robust SAR system, according to the ICG chief. Sivamani emphasized that the ICG's capability to execute effective SAR operations is for the greater good of humanity. He affirmed that whenever the ICG's ships and aircraft are called upon, they respond swiftly.

At the SAREX opening, Sivamani stressed the importance of advanced technology integration, real-time information sharing, and seamless inter-agency collaboration for the future of maritime SAR. He advocated for better vessel tracking, robust distress-alert management, data-driven operational decision-making, and quicker asset mobilization.

Sivamani also highlighted the need to translate operational lessons from past missions and multi-agency exercises into improved readiness and response capabilities. The SAREX-2026 event will see participation from 32 delegates representing 30 friendly nations. The multi-agency exercise aims to validate operational readiness, enhance international interoperability, test joint response mechanisms, and exchange best practices, all to uphold the preservation of life at sea as the mission's ultimate goal.

The 24th National Maritime Search and Rescue Board meeting, also held on the occasion, discussed strengthening national and international SAR frameworks, recognizing that maritime emergencies know no geographical boundaries and require synchronized coordination among global Rescue Coordination Centres and maritime safety agencies.

The Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, inaugurated the event, urging all participants and international partners to reaffirm their shared commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and to foster the spirit of cooperation that is vital to effective search and rescue in the region. Seth invoked the principle of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future', stating that collective efforts can build a safer, more resilient, and more cooperative maritime community.

He also spoke on India's progress in Satellite-Aided Search and Rescue, which has evolved from Low Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (LEOSAR) to Geostationary Search and Rescue (GEOSAR) and is now advancing towards Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR).