Wilmington Declaration: QUAD’s Maritime Push in Indo-Pacific
- vidyarthee2021
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
India, Japan, the U.S., and Australia – the QUAD nations – have launched the first ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’ under the Wilmington Declaration (2024). This marks a significant boost in maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
What is the Wilmington Declaration?
Announced in: 2024, Wilmington, USA
Adopted by: Leaders of the QUAD countries
Core Aim: Reaffirm commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific
Upholds rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty, and territorial integrity
QUAD at Sea Observer Mission
Objective: Promote interoperability, joint training, and maritime coordination
Focus Area: Indo-Pacific region
Supports India’s maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
Other Wilmington Initiatives
Quad Cancer Moonshot – Targets cervical cancer prevention and care
MAITRI – Maritime training and capacity building
Ports of the Future Partnership – Digital infrastructure development, including undersea cables
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 2: International Relations – India’s regional groupings, Indo-Pacific strategy
GS Paper 3: Maritime security, strategic infrastructure
Links to India’s SAGAR, Act East Policy, and QUAD cooperation
UPSC Prelims MCQ
Q. With reference to the Wilmington Declaration, 2024, consider the following statements:
It was issued by the ASEAN to strengthen economic cooperation in Southeast Asia.
It includes initiatives such as the QUAD Cancer Moonshot and Ports of the Future Partnership.
It supports India's SAGAR vision through maritime cooperation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Wilmington Declaration was issued by QUAD, not ASEAN.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct: It includes Quad Cancer Moonshot, Ports of the Future, and supports SAGAR.
UPSC Mains Question (GS Paper 2)
Discuss the strategic significance of the Wilmington Declaration in enhancing maritime cooperation among QUAD nations. How does it align with India’s Indo-Pacific and SAGAR vision?
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