COLOMBO SECURITY CONCLAVE MEETING

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TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The sixth meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave, founded by India, Maldives and Sri Lanka in 2011, was held at the Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius recently.

EXPLANATION:

Background of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

• The Colombo Security Conclave, established in 2011 by India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, serves as a regional platform focusing on maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
• Its primary objectives encompass various aspects of security, including counterterrorism, maritime safety, counter-radicalisation efforts, combatting organized crime, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and humanitarian assistance.

Key Insights from the Sixth Meeting

• Meeting Location and Attendees:
  • The sixth CSC meeting was conducted in Mauritius, with the participation of National Security Advisors from India, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka.
  • Representatives from Seychelles and Bangladesh were also present.
• Absence of Maldives:
  • Despite being a founding member, Maldives was notably absent from the meeting, raising questions about its participation or level of engagement.
  • It remains unclear whether the absence signifies non-participation or if the country was represented at a lower level.
• NSA’S Emphasis:
  • India’s National Security Advisor highlighted the CSC’s significance in ensuring regional security and stability.
  • He stressed the necessity for continuous collaboration across various sectors, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement.
• Roadmap of Activities:
  • The meeting concluded with an agreement on a Roadmap of Activities for 2024, outlining strategic plans and initiatives to bolster regional security within the CSC framework.

Evolution and Expansion of the Conclave

• Recent Developments:
  • The CSC witnessed a revival in 2020 after a six-year hiatus.
  • During this resurgence, the participating countries expressed intentions to expand the grouping’s membership, welcoming Mauritius into the fold in March 2022.
  • Additionally, Bangladesh and Seychelles have participated as observers in these meetings.
• Objective Expansion:
  • The expansion efforts aim to broaden the CSC’s reach and influence within the region, potentially fostering stronger collaborations and synergies in addressing shared security challenges.

Maldives’ Current Engagement and Regional Dynamics

• Maldives’ Shift in Government:
  • Following recent presidential elections in Maldives, the country experienced a change in government, potentially impacting its engagement and participation in regional forums like the CSC.
• Alternative Engagements:
  • While Maldives was absent from the CSC meeting, the Vice-President was reported to be attending the ‘China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation’ in Kunming, signifying alternative engagements and interests in regional collaborations.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

• The CSC serves as a crucial platform for addressing multifaceted security challenges in the Indian Ocean region.
• While recent meetings have seen progress and strategic planning, the absence of a founding member like Maldives raises questions about continued commitment and engagement within the Conclave.
• The expansion efforts, including the involvement of Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Seychelles, highlight a concerted effort to broaden the Conclave’s influence.
• However, sustaining meaningful collaborations among member countries remains pivotal for ensuring regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean.

SOURCE: https://m.thewire.in/article/diplomacy/nsa-ajit-doval-underlines-importance-of-colombo-security-conclave-co-founder-maldives-skips-meeting/amp