Quad Coast Guard Exercise 2025: Strengthening regional maritime security cooperation

THE four-nation Coast Guard Exercise, scheduled for this week in Yokohama, Tokyo Bay, represents a milestone in the Quad's regional maritime security efforts. Announced during the 2024 Wilmington Quad summit, the exercise brings together the coast guards of Australia, India, Japan and the US to enhance interoperability and maritime safety.This will be closely followed by a Japan-US-Philippines trilateral exercise in March 2025 in the waters around Japan and later, in June, in the waters north of the Philippines near the South China Sea. Such initiatives underscore the Quad's commitment to fostering a rules-based maritime order, a critical need given the increasing complexities of the Indo-Pacific.The mini-lateral grouping is also geared to create an "Indo-Pacific maritime training initiative" with Southeast Asian, South Asian and Pacific island countries to coordinate law enforcement capacity-building assistance.The significance of these initiatives cannot be overstated, especially against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the South China Sea. China's growing assertiveness, marked by confrontations with the Philippines and the use of gray-zone tactics, has heightened the region's security concerns. Through its joint exercises, the Quad not only enhances its collective capability but also sends a strong message of solidarity and resolve to uphold regional stability.The added advantage and apt timing of the coast guard exercise lie in its utility in dealing with nontraditional security threats such as natural disasters. The year 2024 marked 20 years since the Indian Ocean tsunami, which brought havoc to the Southeast Asian countries of Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand. A joint Quad statement 20 years after the 2004 tsunami indicates the grouping's resolve to deal with traditional and nontraditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.Clearly, Quad is shedding its inhibitions in dealing with an increasingly assertive China in the Indo-Pacific, with the aim to protect a rules-based maritime order in the region.The Quad's maritime security initiatives extend beyond joint exercises. The India-led Malabar Exercise, often termed the precursor to the Quad maritime exercise, has consistently brought together the four nations to enhance naval cooperation. Additionally, India's upcoming Quad Regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (Maitri) workshop reflects a concerted effort to deepen collaboration. The term "Maitri," meaning "friendship," captures the spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose that defines the Quad.Furthermore, the Quad has ventured into critical areas such as undersea cable security through its Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience. This initiative aims to strengthen the region's digital infrastructure — a vital component for economic growth and security. The planned Maritime Legal Dialogue further reinforces the Quad's commitment to a rules-based order by addressing legal frameworks governing maritime activities.The Quad's cautious approach in the past drew criticism from some quarters, but this measured incremental approach reflects a commitment to building sustainable mechanisms for cooperation. Historical precedents, such as its revival during Donald Trump's presidency, highlight the Quad's ability to adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics. Concerns about the potential impact of future leadership changes, particularly in the US, must be tempered by the Quad's demonstrated resilience.One of the Quad's greatest strengths lies in its ability to address pressing challenges without overreaching. By focusing on achievable goals, such as maritime security, the group avoids the pitfalls of premature escalation or overcommitment. This approach ensures that it strengthens its collective efforts over time without repeating past mistakes. This is exactly what the Quad is pursuing with its Quad-at-Sea initiative, which promises to enhance regional security and cooperation for years to come.Outgoing US President Joe Biden reiterated that the Quad is here to stay, a sentiment echoed often by India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The Quad's consistent efforts, particularly in maritime cooperation, and its initiatives are not only effective but also durable, paving the way for more comprehensive security cooperation in the future. Engaging the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in a more systematic fashion indicates Quad's sustained efforts to reach out to the Asean member countries for lasting maritime cooperation.While the Quad's progress in maritime security is commendable, the question remains whether it can evolve into a group capable of decisively shaping the regional security architecture. This requires a shift from isolated initiatives to a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the full spectrum of security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.To achieve this, the Quad must continue to invest in capacity-building measures, enhance coordination among its members and engage with other regional stakeholders. Expanding partnerships with South Korea and Asean member countries, particularly the Philippines and Vietnam, on global and regional commons, for instance, could provide a broader platform for addressing shared concerns. Additionally, integrating nontraditional security issues such as climate change and disaster management into its agenda would enhance the Quad's relevance and efficacy.The Quad stands at a critical juncture in its evolution. As it navigates its path forward, its ability to balance caution with ambition will determine its success in shaping a stable and prosperous regional order. And, yes, Quad will continue to thrive during the Trump presidency; systemic constraints will not let Trump sideline this vital initiative.Dr. Rahul Mishra is an associate professor at the Center for Indo-Pacific Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. He is also a senior research fellow at the German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance at Thammasat University in Thailand.