ICG Ship Shaunak Sails on QUAD-at-Sea Mission – 25 September 2026

What happened

On 25 September 2026, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Shaunak sailed from Chennai for Perth, Australia as part of the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission. On board are six 'Sea Riders': two officers each from India and Japan and one each from Australia and the United States. They will take part in shipboard activities and professional exchanges to improve interoperability and trust.

Background

The Quad is made up of India, Australia, Japan and the United States. PIB says the mission follows the Quad Foreign Ministers' Joint Statement of 26 May 2026, which backed a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The mission also supports India's maritime vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). MAHASAGAR was announced in 2025 and builds on the earlier SAGAR doctrine of 2015.

Why it matters for exams

Quad, Indo-Pacific and coast-guard cooperation are core topics for UPSC IR and CDS/NDA/CAPF GK. Examiners like the Sea Rider numbers and the MAHASAGAR expansion.

Key facts for exams

• Ship: ICGS Shaunak; route Chennai to Perth
• Sea Riders: 6 in total (India 2, Japan 2, Australia 1, USA 1)
• Quad members: India, Australia, Japan, USA
• Indian Coast Guard: formed in 1977 (Coast Guard Act, 1978); under the Ministry of Defence; HQ New Delhi; motto 'Vayam Rakshamah'
• MAHASAGAR = Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
• SAGAR (2015) = Security and Growth for All in the Region

Practice MCQs

1. ICGS Shaunak sailed to which port under the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in September 2026?

   (A) Darwin
   (B) Perth
   (C) Yokosuka
   (D) Guam

   Answer: (B) – The ship left Chennai for Perth, Australia.

2. How many Sea Riders are on board for the mission?

   (A) Four
   (B) Five
   (C) Six
   (D) Eight

   Answer: (C) – Two each from India and Japan, and one each from Australia and the USA.

3. What does the 'MAHASAGAR' vision stand for?

   (A) Maritime Alliance for Harmony and Security Across Global Regions
   (B) Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
   (C) Marine Heritage and Security Agenda for Growth
   (D) Mutual Help and Assistance for Sea Governance

   Answer: (B) – PIB gives the full form in the release.

Source: PIB – Ministry of Defence, 25 Sep 2026