In a first for the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), the coast guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched a joint observer mission at sea, aimed at improving coordination and maritime awareness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’, being undertaken under the Wilmington Declaration, involves two officers from each country, including women officers, boarding the US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton. The vessel is currently en route to Guam.
Cross-embarkation initiative begins
The effort is expected to support joint readiness, operational coordination and domain awareness, aligned with the goals outlined at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024.The participating agencies include the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Japan Coast Guard (JCG), US Coast Guard (USCG), and Australian Border Force (ABF).
According to the Indian Coast Guard, the initiative also aligns with India’s strategic vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and supports broader national efforts under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), focusing on capacity-building, humanitarian assistance and maritime law enforcement.
Officials said the mission lays the groundwork for deeper operational engagement among the four nations’ maritime agencies, aimed at addressing evolving security and regulatory issues in regional waters.
