India, June 30 -- The coast guards of India, the United States, Australia and Japan have launched the first-ever "Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission" to strengthen maritime security and interoperability in the vast Indo-Pacific region, the defence ministry said on Monday.

"Two officers, including women officers from each country, have embarked on board US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton, which is currently sailing to Guam," it said in a statement.

The mission has been launched under the 2024 Wilmington Declaration. In a joint statement last year, the leaders of Quad countries announced the plan to launch the first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety, and continuing wi...