On October 26, 2025, two US Navy aircraft from the USS Nimitz crashed in the South China Sea, prompting urgent salvage operations to recover sensitive military equipment and prevent it from falling into adversary hands. The USNS Salvor has been deployed for these efforts, emphasizing the operational risks in contested maritime areas. In the backdrop of this incident, India has displayed its advanced maritime rescue capabilities during Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, reinforcing its strategic position as a reliable partner in regional security. This development highlights the critical importance of salvage and recovery operations amid increasing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region, showcasing India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime intervention proficiencies.