Colombo security conclave (CSC) Framework

Colombo security conclave (CSC) Framework

News: Recently, a successful joint expedition of ocean scientists from India, Bangladesh, and Mauritius was organized under the CSC framework.

Background:
• The expedition onboard ORV Sagar Nidhi was the first of its kind under the CSC framework, and aimed to enhance ocean observation and data collection to predict and manage changes in the Indian Ocean’s regional environment.

What is CSC?
• The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) framework is a regional security grouping of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives that was formed in 2011 to enhance maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
• The CSC framework has expanded its membership as well as its scope since its revival in 2020. Mauritius is the fourth member, and Bangladesh and Seychelles attended as observers with invitations to join the group.
• It has 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, and 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.