QUAD Countries Launch ‘At Sea Ship Observer Mission’ To Boost Maritime Cooperation

The Coast Guards of QUAD Countries, which include Japan, the U.S, Australia and India, launched an initiative to deepen maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, dubbed ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’.

The vital cross-embarkation mission includes two officers, including women officers from each nation, onboard the U.S Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, on their way to Guam, USA.

It underlines the countries’ collective maritime readiness through greater interoperability, operational coordination and domain awareness, per the Indian Coast Guard.

The operation was conducted under the Wilmington Declaration, which was adopted at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024.

It shows the resolve of the QUAD, an informal grouping to strengthen and promote a free, open, inclusive and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.

This observer-at-sea mission is one of its kind, marking a collective effort among the Indian Coast Guard, the U.S Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard and the Australian Border Force.

The Indian Coast Guard’s participation highlights the country’s vision of SAGAR, i.e Security and Growth for All in the Region, and aligns with the nation’s efforts under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, along with the commitment to build capacity, conduct humanitarian outreach and a rule-based order in the region.

This mission would pave the way for the ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake’, which would deepen the operational synergies, the trust among the members and also strengthen maritime governance among the like-minded Indo-Pacific partners.

Global maritime challenges are on the rise, and so this initiative is a decisive step forward to greater maritime security, preparedness and collective resilience efforts.

The Indo-Pacific is a significant region for global geopolitics and has great economic importance. It is home to the world’s 65% population, yields 63% of he world’s GDP and 50% of global maritime trade, as vital sea lanes of trade and communication pass through it, making it imperative for nations to keep it open and free for trade and commerce.

References: DD News, Tribune

Source: Maritime Shipping News