2 days ago
QUAD nations launch coast guard cooperation initiative
The coast guards of QUAD nations — India, Japan, the United States, and Australia — have launched the QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission to deepen maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The observer-at-sea engagement marks a first-of-its-kind initiative among the Indian Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, United States Coast Guard, and Australian Border Force.
The Indian Coast Guard's active participation underlines India's strategic maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and complements national efforts under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. It highlights India's firm commitment to capacity-building, humanitarian outreach, and a rules-based maritime order in the region.
The mission paves the way for deepening operational synergies, trust, and maritime governance among like-minded Indo-Pacific partners. As global maritime challenges grow complex, this initiative is a stride towards shared security, collective preparedness, and regional resilience, the Indian Coast Guard said in a press release.
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The strategic cross-embarkation initiative sees two officers, including women officers from each participating nation, embarked onboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, currently en route to Guam, U.S.
Based on the Wilmington Declaration adopted at the QUAD Leaders' Summit in September 2024, the mission reflects the collective resolve of the QUAD to strengthen a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific. It reinforces joint maritime readiness through enhanced interoperability, domain awareness and operational coordination, the statement said.
