India has welcomed the commencement of the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, an initiative announced during the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi on May 26, 2026.
In a social media post on Friday, September 25, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship Shaunak has sailed from Chennai carrying Sea Riders from all four Quad nations.
The MEA said the mission will strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability among the participating countries, reflecting the Quad’s shared commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
As part of the initiative, ICG Ship Shaunak departed Chennai for Perth, Australia, with six Sea Riders on board. The contingent comprises two officers each from India and Japan, and one officer each from Australia and the United States.
During the voyage, the officers will participate in shipboard activities and professional exchanges aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving coordination, and fostering mutual trust among the maritime forces of the four nations.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence, in a statement, described the mission as an important milestone in advancing maritime cooperation and operational interoperability among the Quad countries: India, Australia, Japan, and the United States.
Shorter News Agency Version
India Welcomes Launch of QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission
India on Friday welcomed the commencement of the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, announced during the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi earlier this year.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaunak has sailed from Chennai for Perth, Australia, with Sea Riders from India, Australia, Japan, and the United States on board.
The mission aims to enhance maritime cooperation, interoperability, coordination, and mutual trust among the four Quad nations. Officials said the initiative reflects the grouping’s shared commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Ministry of Defence described the voyage as a significant step towards strengthening operational collaboration among the maritime forces of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States.
