India has welcomed the commencement of the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, announced at the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 26th of May this year. The External Affairs Ministry said in a social media post that India Coast Guard ship Shaunak has sailed from Chennai with sea riders from all four Quad countries. It said the mission strengthens maritime cooperation and interoperability, reflecting the Quad’s shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry said in a statement that this marks an important step in advancing maritime cooperation and interoperability among QUAD nations – India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. Six Sea Riders – two officers each from India and Japan, and one officer each from Australia and the United States – embarked onboard Shaunak to participate in shipboard activities and professional exchanges.