News: Amid ongoing tensions with Bangladesh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is set to host Khalilur Rahman, the interim Bangladeshi government’s National Security Adviser, for security discussions.
About Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
- The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) is a key regional platform aimed at enhancing security cooperation among Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries.
- Objectives: To promote regional security by addressing transnational threats that affect all member nations.
- Permanent secretariat: Colombo
- Origin: The CSC traces its roots to a 2011 trilateral maritime security grouping comprising India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
- It was revitalized and upgraded in 2020, evolving into a broader security cooperation platform that reflects contemporary regional challenges.
- Mauritius formally joined as a full member in 2022, Bangladesh joined in 2024 and Seychelles currently participate as observer countries.
- Current members include India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka.
- Five Pillars of Cooperation: The CSC’s agenda is built around five major pillars, representing key security priorities in the Indian Ocean Region:
- Maritime Safety and Security
- Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation
- Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime
- Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
- These pillars enable structured collaboration, joint exercises, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building among member states.
