COLOMBO SECURITY CONCLAVE

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/maldives-joins-india-in-colombo-security-conclave-dhaka-stays-away-101725258383757-amp.html

 

Context:

India, Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka have signed a Charter and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Secretariat in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

About Colombo Security Conclave

• It is a regional security initiative that brings together India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Mauritius to discuss common safety concerns in the Indian Ocean region (IOR).
• It was established in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security group comprising India, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
  • • It was reactivated in 2020 and has since grown in membership and scope.
    • Mauritius joined as the 4th member in 2022.
    • Bangladesh and Seychelles joined the group as observer nations.
• In September 2024, Bangladesh did not attend the conclave.

Key objectives

• The CSC aims to strengthen regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges.
• Core objectives:
  • • Ensuring the safety of maritime navigation and safeguarding sea passage from risks like piracy and illegal fishing.
    • Working together to combat terrorism and prevent radicalization through intelligence sharing and cooperative actions.
    • Disrupting drugs, arms and people trafficking networks through coordinated actions.
    • Improving cyber surveillance and defending essential infrastructure against cyber threats.
    • Strengthening disaster response and humanitarian aid during times of need.

Significance of the conclave

• It will lead to more coordinated efforts among Member States, and improve their collective ability to address regional security threats.
• By addressing issues such as trafficking and terrorism, CEC aims to contribute to greater stability in the Indian Ocean region.

Source:

Hindustan Times

Observer Research Foundation

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following countries is/are the current member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)? 1. Maldives 2. Bangladesh 3. Sri Lanka 4. Mauritius Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A) 1, 2 and 3 only B) 2, 3 and 4 only C) 1, 3 and 4 only D) 1, 2, 3 and 4   Answer:  C Explanation: India, Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka are the current members of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). Bangladesh is an observer, not a member of the CSC.