What are the five pillars of Colombo Security Conclave that Ajit Doval is attending?

New Delhi: The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) is a pivotal security forum for regional cooperation, uniting key countries to address security challenges and strengthen defense strategies. Established with a focus on safeguarding the interests of its member nations, the CSC is anchored on five crucial pillars that guide its collaborative efforts.

Ajit Doval attends Colombo Security Conclave in Sri Lanka

On Thursday, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to participate in the Colombo Security Conclave scheduled to commence on Friday, 30 August. During his visit, he is set to hold discussions with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, further solidifying bilateral ties. The CSC, formed in 2011, has maintained India's close involvement for over a decade. Initially comprising India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, the forum expanded with Mauritius joining as a full member and Bangladesh as an observer.

What are the objectives of the Colombo Security Conclave?

The Colombo Security Conclave was established to address specific security challenges faced by the member states, with a focus on regional cooperation and mutual defense strategies. The CSC operates on five primary pillars that guide its security framework, fostering joint efforts to tackle emerging threats and safeguard regional stability.

What are the five pillars of the Colombo Security Conclave?

1. Countering Terrorism: Combating terrorism has remained a top priority since the CSC's inception. The member states actively collaborate to curb terrorist activities and prevent extremist threats from destabilizing the region.

2. Tackling Smuggling and Organized Crime: A joint approach to curbing international smuggling and organized crime has been central to the CSC's strategy. This pillar ensures a collective response to illicit trade and cross-border criminal activities.

3. Strengthening Cybersecurity: As technology advances, the CSC has prioritized safeguarding critical infrastructure and securing digital networks within its member nations. Cybersecurity remains an essential focus of the forum's agenda.

4. Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance: Another key pillar of the CSC involves coordinated efforts in disaster management and humanitarian response, enhancing resilience to natural calamities and ensuring timely assistance.

5. Monitoring China's Activities: The CSC is increasingly focusing on countering China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean. The forum monitors China's maritime activities and strategic port investments, aiming to mitigate any threats posed by Beijing’s influence in the region.

Maritime security and China's expanding naval power

Maritime security is a significant concern for CSC member states, particularly as China continues to enhance its naval presence in the Indian Ocean. With its extensive coastline spanning 7,500 kilometers, India places high importance on ensuring the safety of its maritime borders. The CSC's efforts in this domain are crucial for curbing illegal activities and countering China's growing influence at sea.

China has been increasingly active in the region, deploying three survey and surveillance vessels and planning to initiate carrier task force patrols by 2025. Over the last two decades, China has significantly expanded its naval capabilities, adding aircraft carriers, military submarines, and surface warships to its fleet.

China's strategic ambitions, debt diplomacy

China's naval expansion and strategic port investments have raised concerns among CSC member nations. Reports indicate that China's port expansions and use of debt diplomacy could enhance the power projection capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N). This influence allows Beijing to pursue its strategic objectives in the region, making the CSC's role in ensuring regional security more critical than ever.

The Colombo Security Conclave stands as a vital forum for regional security collaboration. With India playing a leading role, the member states are united in addressing pressing security challenges, from terrorism and smuggling to China's expanding influence. Ajit Doval's participation underscores India's commitment to bolstering regional security and ensuring stability in the Indian Ocean.