COLOMBO SECURITY CONCLAVE (CSC) (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: India signed the Charter and memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Secretariat along with Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius.

Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

• About: It is a regional security grouping comprising India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius.
• Origin: The CSC evolved from the Trilateral for Maritime Security Cooperation, initially involving India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, with meetings beginning in 2011.
• Membership: The current members of CSC include India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, while Seychelles holds observer status.
• Objective: To promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to the Member States.
• Permanent Secretariat: Colombo
• There are five pillars of cooperation: 

o Maritime safety and security

o Countering terrorism and radicalisation

o Combating trafficking and transnational organised crime

o Cyber-security and protection of critical infrastructure

o Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Significance

• India’s Regional Outreach: The CSC is viewed as a strategic initiative by India to enhance cooperation and shared security objectives in the Indian Ocean region.
• Countering China: One of the CSC's aims is to limit China's influence in this strategically important area and reduce its footprint in member countries.
• Maritime Security: With India’s extensive coastline and strategic chokepoints, maritime security is crucial, and the CSC plays an essential role in safeguarding these areas.
• Synergy with SAGAR Vision: The CSC aligns with India’s vision of “SAGAR: Security and Growth for all in the Region” and complements India's participation in the QUAD grouping.