News Highlights
The sixth ‘Deputy National Advisers’ meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave held at Kochi
Colombo Security Conclave
- Aim: To create a platform for closer cooperation in maritime security and address the challenges such as narco-trafficking, human trafficking, piracy, terrorism and extremism.
- Members
- Established in 2011 as a trilateral grouping consisting of India, Sri Lanka and Maldives for collaborating on collective maritime security issues
- The membership of the Group was enlarged with the addition of Mauritius in March 2022.
- Bangladesh and Seychelles attended as observers and have been invited to join the group.
- Established in 2011 as a trilateral grouping consisting of India, Sri Lanka and Maldives for collaborating on collective maritime security issues
‘Sixth Deputy National Advisers’ meeting
- Objective of the meeting
- To jointly combat the increasing threats related to maritime safety, terrorism, trafficking and organised crime affecting the partner nations.
- The members have identified five pillars for cooperation, namely-
- Maritime Security
- Counter-terrorism
- Combating trafficking and organised crime
- Cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
- Key Points discussed in the meeting
- Srilanka recommended setting up Joint working groups and agencies to collect, store and disseminate intelligence on common developments as an effective way to tackle the various threats.
- Mauritius suggested a coordinated approach among the partner nations to protect the mutual interests and to tackle common security threats.
- “Some of the major challenges involve issues like cyber security, terrorism, radicalisation, drugs, illegal and unregulated fishing and environmental damages
- Bangladesh sought the help of India in ensuring the safe, speedy and sustainable repatriation of forcibly-displaced Myanmar nationals to their country of origin.
- The problem of security is becoming increasingly acute as thousands of Myanmar nationals, facing an uncertain future, are becoming attracted to violence, extremism, radicalism, drugs and human trafficking.
- Seychelles, called for collaboration among the partner nations in protecting the oceans and marine resources. We have a common duty to transform our youth to become the protectors of these valuable assets
Significance of Colombo Security Conclave(CSC) to India
- Through CSC, India can restrict China’s growing dominance in the region and reduce the Chinese influence on the member countries.
- Each member and observer country has strong bilateral ties with India, and the grouping will aid in the strengthening of regional cohesion and collaboration.
- India’s efforts to guarantee regional security and stability will be aided by closer cooperation among regional allies.
- The initiative is based on military and security cooperation with two of India’s neighbours, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
- Members of the grouping, such as the Maldives, have increased their participation in the QUAD, an important security organisation to which India belongs.
- The grouping is also in line with India’s vision of “SAGAR: Security and Growth for all in the Region”.
Pic Courtesy: The Hindu
Content Source: The Hindu