US-led Quad group launches 1st maritime observation mission

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) — The US-led Quad group of nations has launched its first maritime observation mission, according to an official statement by India.

In a “significant stride toward strengthening maritime security and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific,” the coast guards of India, Japan, the US, and Australia have launched the first-ever "QUAD at sea ship observer Mission" under the Wilmington Declaration, the Indian Defense Ministry said on Monday.

It said two officers, including women officers from each country, have embarked on board US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton, which is currently sailing to Guam.

The ministry said the “cross-embarkation mission” marks an “unprecedented” step in Quad coast guard “collaboration, enhancing joint readiness, operational coordination, and domain awareness in support of a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.”

“The mission reflects the vision laid out at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in September 2024 and signifies a deepening of operational ties between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Japan Coast Guard (JCG), US Coast Guard (USCG), and Australian Border Force (ABF),” the ministry said.

The announcement came as the US is scheduled to host foreign ministers from Australia, India, and Japan for the 2025 Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting on July 1.