Why in NEWS

The Coast Guards of QUAD nations—India, Japan, the United States, and Australia—launched the ‘QUAD At Sea Ship Observer Mission’, in alignment with the Wilmington Declaration (2024), adopted at the 6th QUAD Summit held in Delaware, USA. This marks a significant step in enhancing interoperability and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Terms Explained

Term	Explanation
QUAD	Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between India, Japan, US, and Australia, focused on ensuring a free, open Indo-Pacific.
Wilmington Declaration	A joint statement from the 2024 QUAD Summit emphasizing rules-based maritime order, tech collaboration, and people-to-people ties.
MDA (Maritime Domain Awareness)	The effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact security.
SAGAR Vision	India’s regional vision: “Security and Growth for All in the Region.”
IPOI (Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative)	India’s framework to promote regional cooperation in maritime security and sustainable development.
MAHASAGAR Doctrine	India’s doctrine for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

What is the QUAD At Sea Ship Observer Mission?

Feature	Details
Nature	A maritime cooperation initiative among QUAD Coast Guards.
Purpose	Enhance interoperability, joint SOP training, patrolling, and SAR operations.
Deployment	Cross-embarkation of officers (including women) on partner vessels—starting with USCGC Stratton en route to Guam.
Strategic Goal	Promotes maritime diplomacy, gender inclusion, and Indo-Pacific coordination under SAGAR, IPOI, and MAHASAGAR.

Highlights of the Wilmington Declaration (2024)

Domain	Key Actions
Indo-Pacific & Maritime Security	Launched QUAD At Sea and MAITRI initiatives to deepen maritime domain awareness and coordination.
Infrastructure & Connectivity	Rolled out QUAD Logistics Network, Ports of the Future Partnership, and extended fellowships to 2,200+ experts.
Technology & Cybersecurity	Strengthened ties on semiconductors, supply chains, and cybersecurity via QUIN (Quadrilateral Information-Sharing Network).
Climate, Space & Ties	Deployed Q-CHAMP for climate adaptation, Earth Observation satellites for disaster relief, and expanded Quad Fellowships.

What is the QUAD?

Aspect	Description
Origin	Informally began in 2004 post-tsunami coordination; formally proposed by Japan in 2007. Revived in 2017 due to Indo-Pacific security concerns.
Members	India, Australia, Japan, United States.
Objectives	Promote a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific through cooperation in climate, health, technology, cybersecurity, maritime security, and HADR.
Expansion	The concept of “QUAD-plus” includes nations like South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam, hinting at future growth.

In a Nutshell

Use the mnemonic: “QUAD SAILS”

Think of QUAD sailing together for peace and partnership:
S – Ship Observer Mission
A – At Sea for SOPs and SAR drills
I – Interoperability & Inclusion
L – Logistics & Leadership Fellowships
S – Security Vision: SAGAR, IPOI, MAHASAGAR

Prelims Practice Questions

1. With reference to the QUAD At Sea Ship Observer Mission, consider the following statements:
   1. It is aimed at enhancing joint training in maritime SOPs and SAR operations.
   2. Only male officers are deployed on partner nation ships.
      Which of the above is/are correct?
      a) 1 only
      b) 2 only
      c) Both 1 and 2
      d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Which of the following was launched under the Wilmington Declaration of 2024?
   1. QUAD At Sea Ship Observer Mission
   2. Q-CHAMP
   3. QUIN (Quadrilateral Information-Sharing Network)
      Select the correct answer using the code below:
      a) 1 and 2 only
      b) 2 and 3 only
      c) 1 and 3 only
      d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Consider the following statements about the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD):
   1. It was formed in 2007 and became inactive due to the U.S. withdrawal.
   2. The first QUAD Leaders’ Summit was held in 2021.
      Which of the above is/are correct?
      a) 1 only
      b) 2 only
      c) Both 1 and 2
      d) Neither 1 nor 2

Mains Practice Questions

1. “The QUAD At Sea Ship Observer Mission marks a shift from dialogue to deployment.” Examine the strategic significance of this initiative for India and the Indo-Pacific region.
   (GS2 – International Relations)
2. How do recent QUAD initiatives reflect the group’s evolving role in shaping a secure, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific order?
   (GS2 – Global Groupings)

Prelims Answers and Explanations

Q. No	Correct Answer	Explanation
1	a) 1 only	The mission includes both male and female officers and focuses on joint training and maritime drills.
2	d) 1, 2 and 3	All three—QUAD At Sea, Q-CHAMP, and QUIN—were part of the Wilmington Declaration.
3	b) 2 only	QUAD was formally proposed in 2007 by Japan; Australia withdrew initially (not the U.S.). First summit held in 2021.