The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)—comprising India, Japan, the United States, and Australia—has launched its first “At Sea Ship Observer Mission” to enhance maritime domain awareness and security in the Indo-Pacific.

The deployment of officers aboard the USCGC Stratton symbolizes a major step in operational coordination and upholding a free and rules-based maritime order.

Key Points:

• The observer mission features two officers from each QUAD nation, including female officers, embarking on the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton en route to Guam, marking a new level of operational cooperation.
• The initiative stems from the Wilmington Declaration issued during the 2024 QUAD Leaders’ Summit in the U.S., focusing on coast guard interoperability and joint maritime governance.
• The mission supports shared goals such as enhancing maritime domain awareness, standardizing operational protocols, and strengthening capabilities in search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, and law enforcement.
• The mission aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy, Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour, and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy.
• The QUAD, originally formed in 2007 and revitalized in 2017, is an informal strategic forum aimed at promoting peace, stability, and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region, especially amid growing concerns over maritime security and freedom of navigation.
• This “QUAD Coast Guard Handshake” represents a significant move beyond military exercises, building habits of cooperation among maritime law enforcement agencies and setting the stage for deeper joint initiatives in future.
• Let me know if you’d like a graphic explaining QUAD’s structure or a comparison with other regional maritime frameworks.