The evolving role of the Colombo Security Conclave
- December 25, 2023
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
No Comments
The evolving role of the Colombo Security Conclave
Subject : IR
Section: International groupings
Context:
- In early December, India’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Ajit Doval, took part in the sixth NSA meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).
- The meeting reviewed the developments and progress made by the CSC in the last year and agreed upon a road map for the year 2024 to promote a safe, secure, and stable Indian Ocean.
About Colombo Security Conclave
- The Colombo Security Conclave is a regional security grouping.
- It was initially formed in 2011 as a trilateral Indian Ocean maritime security grouping of India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
- It was revived again in 2021. The Colombo Security Conclave has since expanded both its membership as well as scope.
- Colombo Security Conclave envisages sharing intelligence and collaborating on the security aspects of marine security, human trafficking, counter-terrorism, and cyber security.
- The fifth edition saw the induction of Mauritius as a new member and the scope of the conclave has been expanded to include humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Significance
- In light of the current global circumstances, the gathering that focuses on working together for military and security purposes becomes increasingly important in the region.
- Maritime Security: The conclave conducts “CSC Focused Operation” which plays a key role in keeping the Indian Ocean safe and secure for commercial shipping, international trade and conduct of legitimate maritime activities.
- Exchange of Information: It further improves the existing harmony in the region through timely exchange of information.
- Cooperation between Agencies: The conclave will aid in greater understanding and interoperability between the security agencies.
- Cybersecurity: The grouping helps in addressing key challenges such as Deep Web, Dark Net, Digital Forensics, Cyber Threat intelligence; and Defensive Operations in Cyber Domain.
- Tackling Environmental Hazards: Recent incidents like that of MV Xpress Pearl, MT New Diamond, and MV Wakashio caused wide-scale marine pollution in the Indian Ocean. The conclave also focuses its attention in this regard.
Some Other Security Dialogues:
- Quadrilateral Security Dialogue(QUAD)
- Raisina Security Dialogue
- India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue
- India’s 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue