Wednesday 01 / July / 2026
New Delhi: India and Australia have strengthened maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region through a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) Workshop and Tabletop Exercise held in Chennai from 17 to 19 June 2026.
The three-day programme, hosted at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Chennai, brought together search and rescue professionals from member states of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), along with representatives from the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region.
Australia, in its role as Chair of the IORA Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, partnered with India to deliver the initiative, which was facilitated by the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security.
The workshop focused on enhancing regional search and rescue capabilities, improving interoperability among maritime agencies, and strengthening coordination during emergencies at sea. Participants engaged in expert-led discussions, practical training sessions, and a tabletop exercise simulating real-world rescue operations.
The programme also covered international search and rescue frameworks, including obligations under the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue and relevant aviation search and rescue standards. Special emphasis was placed on providing early-career SAR officials with practical experience in emergency response coordination.
The event was opened by Cameron Noble, while Silai Zaki and Bruce Soar highlighted Australia's commitment to maritime safety, security, and regional cooperation across the Indian Ocean.
Organisers said the exercise helped strengthen professional networks among SAR practitioners throughout the region, providing a platform for participants to exchange operational experiences and best practices.
Through joint training initiatives and enhanced collaboration, India and Australia aim to improve collective preparedness and response capabilities, contributing to safer maritime environments across the Indian Ocean region.
