Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)- Relevance for UPSC Exam

• GS Paper 2: International Relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations.

 

 

Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in news

• Recently, the fifth National Security Advisor (NSA)s’ meet of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was organized in the Maldives.

 

Key Facts about Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

• About: Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was formed in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security grouping of India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
  • Mauritius was welcomed as the fourth member at the fifth NSA’s meet of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).
• Colombo Security Conclave Member Countries: Presently, it consists of four countries- India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Mauritius.
  • Observers Countries: Bangladesh and Seychelles participated as observer countries in the Colombo Security Conclave.
• Mandate: Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) aims to increase the security cooperation, covering maritime safety and security, human trafficking, counter-terrorism and cyber security.
• Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Secretariat: A permanent CSC Secretariat is established in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  • CSC Secretariat is responsible for coordinating all the activities of the CSC along with the implementation of the decisions taken at the NSA level.

Integrity Pact in India: CVC revises SOP for its implementation

Fifth Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

• Inclusion of Fourth Member: Mauritius was included as the fourth member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).
• Invitation to other Countries: Bangladesh and Seychelles attended the fifth NSA’s meet of CSC as observers, and have been invited to join the group.
• Indian Proposals: Indian National Security Adviser called for-
  • The institutionalization of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
  • The heads of the Coast Guards of the four-member countries meet to discuss ways to address shared maritime security challenges, and
  • The formation of joint working groups to tackle drug trafficking and transnational organised crimes.
• Identification of Five Broad Areas for Cooperation: The fifth Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) identified five broad areas of cooperation to strengthen regional safety and security. These are-
  • Maritime Safety and Security
  • Countering Terrorism and Radicalization
  • Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime
  • Cyber Security, Protection of Critical Infrastructure, and Technology
  • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

Sri Lanka Economic Emergency

 

Significance of Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

• Promoting Regional Cooperation: The Delhi-driven “minilateral” is being seen as India’s outreach to the Indian Ocean to underline regional cooperation and shared security objectives.
• Countering Chinese Influence: The CSC hopes to-
  • Restrict China’s influence in an area of strategic importance, and
  • Reduce the Chinese footprint in the member countries, including the new and proposed additions.
• Avoid Conflict: Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) will provide a cooperation platform to avoid conflict and ensure security and stability both inside and outside our borders.
• Crisis Management: Geographical proximity of CSC countries allows them to be first responders to each other in crisis situations.
  • For example, the MT New Diamond and X-press Pearl ship fires in Sri Lankan waters that the Indian Coast Guard helped douse.

 

Exercise SLINEX