QUAD Nations Launch First-Ever ‘At Sea Observer Mission’ to Boost Maritime Cooperation

The QUAD nations, comprising India, Japan, the United States, and Australia, have launched the first-ever ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’ under the Wilmington Declaration. This initiative aims to strengthen maritime security and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Two officers, including women officers from each country, have embarked on board the US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton, which is currently sailing to Guam. This cross-embarkation mission marks a significant step in QUAD Coast Guard collaboration, enhancing joint readiness, operational coordination, and domain awareness in support of a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.

The mission reflects the vision laid out at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024 and signifies a deepening of operational ties between the Indian Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, US Coast Guard, and Australian Border Force. India’s participation reinforces its strategic maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and complements national efforts under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

The QUAD at Sea initiative sets the foundation for a ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake,’ fostering stronger trust, coordination, and collective resilience amid evolving maritime challenges in the region. The mission emphasizes capacity-building, humanitarian outreach, and maritime rule of law, aligning with the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. By working together, the QUAD nations aim to promote a rules-based maritime governance and enhance regional security in the Indo-Pacific.