Foreign Policy Watch: Indo-Pacific and QUAD

‘At Sea Observer’ Mission by QUAD

Why in the News?

The Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have initiated the first-ever ‘QUAD At Sea Ship Observer Mission’.

About “At Sea Ship Observer Mission”:

  • Overview: The ‘At Sea Ship Observer Mission’ is the first cross-embarkation initiative by the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the U.S., and Australia.
  • Origin and Vision: It was conceptualised under the Wilmington Declaration (2024) to boost interoperability and maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Participation: Officers from all QUAD countries, including women officers.
  • Joint Training Operations: The mission enables joint SOP drills, search and rescue (SAR), patrolling, and promotes gender inclusion in maritime diplomacy.
  • India’s Alignment: India’s role complements initiatives like SAGAR, the MAHASAGAR Doctrine, and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
  • QUAD Summit Linkage: It operationalises decisions from the 6th QUAD Leaders’ Summit held in Wilmington, USA.
  • Future Vision: Sets groundwork for a ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake’, enhancing trust, resilience, and standardised operations in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Regional Impact: Aims to improve emergency response, coordination, and domain awareness among QUAD Coast Guards.

What is QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)?

  • Members: QUAD is a strategic dialogue between India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, focused on Indo-Pacific peace and stability.
  • Nature of Alliance: Though not a formal alliance, it reflects a strong consensus on open sea lanes, supply chains, and tech partnerships.
  • Objectives: It promotes a Free and Rules-Based Order, countering coercive actions in the region.
  • Formation History: Originated post-2004 tsunami, formally proposed in 2007 by Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe.
  • Dormancy and Revival: Went dormant after Australia’s 2008 withdrawal but was revived in 2017 amid concerns over China’s assertiveness.
  • Expanded Focus Areas: Beyond security, QUAD now includes cooperation in health, infrastructure, cybersecurity, emerging tech, and climate change.
  • Joint Activities: The group holds military drills, high-level dialogues, and supports regional capacity-building.
  • QUAD-Plus Engagements: Also engages countries like South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand, signalling future expansion.

 

[UPSC 2016] With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements: (2016)  1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.  2.It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options:  (a) 1 only (b) 2 only  (c) Both 1 and 2  (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

 

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship - June Batch Starts
💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship - June Batch Starts