Chennai, Sept. 25 -- The Indian Coast Guard ship Shaunak sailed from Chennai as India welcomed the commencement of the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

In a statement on X, the MEA said that the mission will strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability between the QUAD nations- India, Japan, the United States and Australia.

"India welcomes the commencement of the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, announced at the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2026. @IndiaCoastGuard Ship Shaunak has sailed from Chennai with sea riders from all four Quad countries. The mission strengthens maritime cooperation and interoperability, reflecting the Quad's shared commitment to a f...