ICG’s Shaunak Embarks on Quad-at-Sea Mission to Boost Indo-Pacific Cooperation

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship Shaunak on Friday sailed from Chennai for Perth, Australia, as part of the Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and interoperability among the Quad countries.

The mission brings together personnel from India, Australia, Japan and the United States and reflects their shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.

According to the ICG, six sea riders have embarked on Shaunak for the mission. The group comprises two officers each from India and Japan, and one officer each from Australia and the US.

During the voyage, the officers will participate in shipboard activities and professional exchanges. These engagements are intended to enhance interoperability, improve coordination and foster greater mutual trust among the maritime forces of the four countries.

The initiative is aligned with the Quad Foreign Ministers' Joint Statement of May 26, which underlined the grouping's commitment to strengthening cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

The ICG said the observer mission provides an opportunity for participating personnel to gain practical experience through professional interaction and joint activities onboard the ship.

The deployment also reflects India's broader maritime vision of MAHASAGAR Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The ICG said the mission reaffirms its commitment to collective engagement, professional linkages and a secure maritime environment across the Indo-Pacific.

The Quad, comprising India, Australia, Japan and the US, has increasingly focused on maritime security and practical cooperation in the region. The ship observer mission is intended to deepen operational understanding and strengthen coordination among the participating maritime forces.

The sailing of Shaunak from Chennai marks another step in India's engagement with its Quad partners on maritime cooperation and regional security.