Australian Border Force joins Indian Coast Guard in Quad maritime security mission across Indian Ocean

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has joined counterparts from India, Japan and the United States for a 13-day voyage across the Indian Ocean, strengthening maritime cooperation and operational capabilities under the 2026 Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission.

Officers from the four countries embarked on an Indian Coast Guard vessel that departed Chennai on 25 September and arrived in Fremantle, Western Australia, on 7 October.

Image Participants of Japan-Australia-India-U.S

During the voyage, officers worked and trained side-by-side, sharing operational expertise through exercises focused on maritime search and rescue, marine pollution response, maritime law enforcement and boarding operations.

The engagement aimed to strengthen coordination, build mutual understanding and improve the four countries’ collective ability to respond to maritime security challenges across the Indo-Pacific.

Image: India to Fremantle Quad-at-sea mission strengthens maritime cooperation (Source: ABF)

Commander Maritime Border Command Rear Admiral Brett Sonter said strong partnerships with regional and international counterparts were essential to Australia’s maritime security.

“The Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission is a practical demonstration of the close and enduring partnership between Australia and India, and our shared commitment with Japan and the United States to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

He said the mission provided an opportunity for all four Quad nations to share operational experience, build trust and strengthen professional relationships that support effective cooperation at sea.

Exercises of this kind also strengthened interoperability and improved the countries’ ability to respond to maritime incidents and emerging security challenges, he said.

The mission builds on growing cooperation between ABF Maritime Border Command and the Indian Coast Guard, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in July 2026 to strengthen practical collaboration between the two agencies.

The engagement forms part of broader Quad efforts to support a safe, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific through closer maritime partnerships and improved coordination among participating countries.

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