About Colombo Security Conclave:
- It is a regional security framework established in 2020.
- Member Countries: It comprises India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
- Objective: The CSC’s core objective is to promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to the member states.
- It brings together National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Deputy NSAs of the member countries.
- Background:
- The CSC, initially known as the Trilateral for Maritime Security Cooperation, evolved out of trilateral meetings between NSAs and Deputy NSAs from India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, starting in 2011.
- It came to a standstill after 2014 due to rising tensions between India and the Maldives.
- After its revival and rebranding as the CSC in 2020, Mauritius joined the CSC in 2022, while Bangladesh joined in 2024.
- More recently, Seychelles has become the sixth member of the CSC.
- Cooperation under the conclave focuses on five pillars:
- Maritime safety and security
- Countering terrorism and radicalisation
- Combating trafficking and transnational organised crime
- Cyber-security and protection of critical infrastructure
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
- Permanent secretariat: Colombo, Sri Lanka
