QUAD

Miscellaneous

Why in news?

QUAD Nations Launch First-Ever 'At-Sea Observer Mission' to Strengthen Maritime Collaboration.

About QUAD

Formation: The QUAD was formalised in 2007 under the leadership of then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Members and Nature: It is an informal strategic partnership among Australia, India, Japan and the United States, forming an alliance of maritime democracies.
Purpose and Vision: Aims to promote a free, open, stable and inclusive Indo-Pacific. In 2023, the group released a Vision Statement titled "Enduring Partners for the Indo-Pacific".
Areas of Cooperation: Work is carried forward through six Leader-level Working Groups focusing on,
- Climate
- Critical and Emerging Technologies
- Cybersecurity
- Health Security Partnership
- Infrastructure
- Space
Key Engagements: The QUAD holds Annual Leaders’ Summits and Foreign Ministers’ Meetings to coordinate efforts and enhance cooperation.

QUAD 'At Sea Ship Observer Mission'

The Coast Guards of India, Japan, the U.S. and Australia have jointly launched the first-ever ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’.
This initiative is a step toward enhancing maritime security and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The mission is being conducted under the framework of the Wilmington Declaration.
Two officers, including women officers from each country, have boarded the US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton, currently en route to Guam.

Map of QUAD members

Q. Which of the following countries is not a member of the QUAD grouping?

(1) India
(2) Japan
(3) Australia
(4) United Kingdom

Answer: (4) United Kingdom