On Friday, the member states of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) took a significant step in regional security cooperation by signing a charter and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the CSC Secretariat. The signing ceremony took place in Colombo, where India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval participated. He was joined by senior officials from Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius in signing the documents. Although Bangladesh, another member of the CSC, did not participate in the event, it expressed support for the initiative.
Objectives of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
The CSC aims to strengthen regional security by addressing transnational threats that are of common concern to its member states. This is outlined in a joint statement released by the participating nations.
Pillars of Cooperation Under CSC
The Colombo Security Conclave operates under five key pillars of cooperation:
- Maritime Safety & Security: Enhancing the safety and security of maritime domains in the region.
- Countering Terrorism & Radicalisation: Efforts to prevent and combat terrorism and the spread of radical ideologies.
- Combating Trafficking & Transnational Organised Crime: Addressing issues related to human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other forms of organised crime that cross borders.
- Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology: Ensuring the security of digital infrastructures and technologies crucial to national security.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: Collaborative efforts to provide aid and relief in times of natural disasters and other humanitarian crises.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Which countries participated in the signing ceremony of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) charter and MoU?
- a) India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius
- b) India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh
- c) India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mauritius
- d) India, Maldives, Bangladesh, Mauritius
Answer: a) India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius
- Which country is a member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) but did not participate in the signing ceremony?
- a) Mauritius
- b) Maldives
- c) Bangladesh
- d) Sri Lanka
Answer: c) Bangladesh
- What is the primary aim of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)?
- a) Promoting economic cooperation
- b) Strengthening regional security by addressing transnational threats
- c) Enhancing cultural exchanges among member states
- d) Promoting tourism in the region
Answer: b) Strengthening regional security by addressing transnational threats
- Which of the following is NOT a pillar of cooperation under the CSC?
- a) Maritime Safety & Security
- b) Countering Terrorism & Radicalisation
- c) Promoting Cultural Heritage
- d) Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology
Answer: c) Promoting Cultural Heritage
- What role does the CSC play in humanitarian assistance?
- a) It provides financial aid for infrastructure development.
- b) It facilitates collaborative efforts for disaster relief and humanitarian aid.
- c) It organizes cultural events for regional integration.
- d) It promotes environmental sustainability projects.
Answer: b) It facilitates collaborative efforts for disaster relief and humanitarian aid.