Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Framework:
A successful joint expedition of ocean scientists from India, Bangladesh, and Mauritius, organized under the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) framework.
- The expedition onboard ORV Sagar Nidhi was the first of its kind under the CSC framework,
- Objective is to enhance ocean observation and data collection to predict and manage changes in the Indian Ocean’s regional environment and fostering collaboration in measuring and modelling ocean parameters for better forecasting and services in the region.
Colombo Security Conclave:
- It is a trilateral maritime security grouping formed in 2011, consisting of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Mauritius is the fourth member, and Bangladesh and Seychelles attended as observers with invitations to join the group.
- The CSC focuses on enhancing and strengthening regional security in five pillars:
- Maritime Safety and Security
- Countering Terrorism and Radicalization
- Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime
- Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
- It serves as India’s outreach to the Indian Ocean (in alignment with India’s vision of “SAGAR” vision), emphasizing regional cooperation and shared security objectives.
- It also aims to counter China’s influence in the region and reduce the Chinese footprint in member countries.
