Humanitarian capacity like maritime SAR is a tool of India's maritime diplomacy. Discuss with reference to SAGAR and MAHASAGAR.

Under the Coast Guard Act, 1978, maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) is a statutory duty of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), covering the "safety of life and property at sea" [1]. It has grown beyond a domestic function into a tool of diplomacy. SAREX-2026 off Paradip was watched by 32 observers from 30 countries, and it presented India as a "dependable maritime SAR partner" [2].

SAR as a diplomatic tool under SAGAR and MAHASAGAR

• SAGAR (2015), or "Security and Growth for All in the Region", was launched in Mauritius. Saving lives at sea puts its "security for all" pillar into practice [3].
• MAHASAGAR (2025) extends this vision to the Global South through capacity building, technology sharing and mutual security [3]. SAR drills and training cost little but deliver results partners can see.
• Responsibility beyond the EEZ: the Indian Search and Rescue Region covers about 4.6 million sq km [4]. Rescuing foreign mariners there earns goodwill and builds a first-responder image.
• Building trust: foreign observers at SAREX-2026 help navies work together and build trust without any show of military force [2].
• Technology diplomacy: the 2026 theme, "Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety", showcased ROVs and air-droppable life rafts [2]. ISRO's Distress Alert Transmitters are a model India can share. More than 20,000 are fitted on fishing boats and linked to ICG rescue centres (MRCCs) [5].
• Whole-of-government credibility: the Navy, Air Force, DG Shipping, port authorities and the Odisha administration all took part [2]. The 31-member NMSAR Board includes every coastal State and UT [4].

Limitations that weaken the message

• Capacity gaps: the CAG found that most ICG ships were life-expired or running on life extensions. Only about half the planned acquisitions were achieved in the IXth Plan [6].
• Funding shortfall: in 2022-23 the ICG received about ₹7,310 crore against ₹10,804 crore sought [7].
• Scripted drills: exercises scheduled in advance do not test no-notice or night-time response, and real rescues are where credibility is earned.

Domestic SAR capacity → Regional rescues + SAREX outreach → Trust & interoperability → SAGAR/MAHASAGAR soft power

Flow: from humanitarian capacity to diplomatic influence

SAR therefore turns India's geography and institutions into soft power and gives practical shape to SAGAR and MAHASAGAR. India should close the fleet and funding gaps, hold drills at night and without warning, and offer SAR training and distress-alert technology to partners in the Indian Ocean Region. These steps would turn a symbolic role into a reliable one and support SDG 14 (life below water). They would also keep the ICG's stated commitment that "every distress call must receive a coordinated response" [2].