Q. Consider the following statements about Colombo Security Conclave:
1. India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka began a National Security Advisor (NSA)-level trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation in 2011.
2 Madagascar is included as a new member of the conclave.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A
Notes:

About Colombo Security Conclave:

  • India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka began a National Security Advisor (NSA)-level trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation in 2011.
  • Following a halt from 2014-2019, the trilateral meeting was resumed in 2020, when the decision was taken to establish the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).

Aim of the Conclave: To forge closer cooperation on maritime and security matters among the three Indian Ocean countries.

Pillars of Cooperation: There are four pillars of security cooperation including marine security, human trafficking, counter-terrorism, and cyber security.

Secretariat: Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Key takeaways from the fifth edition of Colombo Security Conclave

Firstly, Mauritius was included as a new member of the conclave.

Secondly, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief has been added as the fifth pillar.

Source: international organizations, groupings, and initiatives