New Delhi, 30 June 2025 — The Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched the inaugural QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission under the Wilmington Declaration. In a groundbreaking effort, two officers—including women—from each nation have embarked on the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, now en route to Guam.
A Milestone in QUAD Maritime Ties
This mission marks a first in QUAD cooperation. It aims to enhance joint readiness, operational coordination, and domain awareness. It reflects the vision from the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024, demonstrating an expanded level of trust and interoperability between the Indian, Japanese, US, and Australian Coast Guards.
Supporting a Rules-Based Indo-Pacific
The joint mission aligns with the shared goal of a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific. By operating together at sea, the quad nations are reinforcing shared principles and strengthening a collective maritime posture.
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India’s SAGAR and IPOI Commitments
India’s participation reinforces its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. It also complements the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) through capacity-building, humanitarian engagement, and protecting maritime law.
QUAD’s “Coast Guard Handshake” sets a foundation for enduring region-wide trust, coordination, and resilience, vital amid evolving regional maritime threats.
About THE QUAD
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or QUAD, unites Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. It started after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and revived in 2017 to maintain a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The group holds annual leader-level summits to tackle shared challenges such as maritime security, critical technologies, and disaster resilience. Over time, it has evolved into a strategic forum promoting cooperation among democratic maritime nations, safeguarding regional stability.
The Wilmington Declaration
The Wilmington Declaration, signed in September 2024, elevated the QUAD to a leader-driven platform. It reaffirmed commitment to collective action in maritime security, cyber defence, disaster relief, and clean energy. The declaration emphasized upholding international law in maritime zones. Significantly, it authorized the first “Quad-at-Sea Observer Mission”, marking a shift from dialogue to operational cooperation at sea.
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