The 7th NSA-level meeting was recently held in New Delhi. The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) is a regional security initiative that promotes cooperation among Indian Ocean coastal countries.
About CSC
- Members: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Seychelles.
- Objective: To ensure regional stability, maritime security, and cooperation against transnational threats.
- Format: Brings together National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Deputy NSAs.
Origin and Evolution
- Started in 2011 as a Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation framework between India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.
- Became inactive after 2014 due to diplomatic issues.
- Revived and renamed as Colombo Security Conclave in 2020.
- Mauritius joined in 2022, Bangladesh in 2024, and Seychelles became the sixth member later.
- Permanent Secretariat: Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Areas of Cooperation (Five Pillars)
- Maritime Safety and Security – joint naval exercises, anti-piracy operations.
- Counter Terrorism and Radicalisation – intelligence sharing, capacity building.
- Combating Trafficking and Organised Crime – cooperation against drugs, human trafficking, and illegal arms trade.
- Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection – securing digital networks and financial channels.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief – coordinated response to natural disasters in the Indian Ocean region.
Significance for India
- Strengthens maritime security architecture in the Indian Ocean.
- Supports India’s SAGAR policy (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
- Enhances regional stability, counterterrorism cooperation, and strategic influence.
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