India has made at least seven helicopters specialized in rescue (SAR, Search and rescue) and humanitarian missions available to the Philippines. The aircraft will be destined for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The initiative is the result of a bilateral agreement which aims to strengthen relations between the two countries. The pact is still under discussion between the two parties.

This will make "a great contribution to the Coast Guard's maritime operations. We are trying to strengthen the country's capabilities in terms of coastal defense and, of course, search and rescue, which is always the primary consideration" explained in a statement the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos, after speaking with the Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Kumaran.