Indian Coast Guard Joins QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaunak sailed from Chennai to Perth on 25 September 2026 for the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission. The mission involved six Sea Riders from India, Japan, Australia, and the United States, and it formed part of maritime cooperation among the four QUAD countries.

QUAD and Maritime Cooperation

QUAD is a strategic grouping of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. The four countries use maritime cooperation, shipboard exchanges, and observer missions to improve interoperability and coordination at sea.

Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaunak

ICG Ship Shaunak is an Indian Coast Guard vessel used for operational deployment and training-related voyages. The ship’s passage from Chennai to Perth placed it in a multinational observer mission with officers from all four QUAD members.

Sea Riders and Professional Exchanges

Sea Riders are officers who embark on a ship for observation, training, and professional exchange during a voyage. In this mission, two officers each came from India and Japan, and one officer each came from Australia and the United States.

Important Facts for Exams

• The QUAD consists of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States.
• The QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission is a maritime engagement format involving shipboard observation and professional exchange.
• The 2026 edition of the mission is hosted by India.
• The inaugural mission in 2025 involved officers embarking on the United States Coast Guard Cutter Stratton.

MAHASAGAR Vision and Indo-Pacific Maritime Order

MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The mission aligns with the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Joint Statement of 26 May 2026, which referred to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.