The Indian Coast Guard ship Shaunak departed from Chennai on Friday bound for Perth, Australia, as part of the Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission. The departure marks a significant step toward enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability among the Quad members.
The initiative aligns with the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Joint Statement issued on May 26, which reaffirms the shared commitment of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States to uphold a free, open, inclusive, and rules‑based maritime order in the Indo‑Pacific, the ICG said.
Six sea riders—two officers from India and Japan each, and one officer from Australia and the United States—joined the crew aboard Shaunak. They will engage in shipboard activities and professional exchanges aimed at boosting interoperability, strengthening coordination, and building mutual trust.
The mission underscores India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—confirming the ICG’s commitment to collective engagement, professional linkages, and a secure maritime environment across the Indo‑Pacific.
