India hosted the first Colombo Security Conclave Virtual Workshop on Developing Regional Cyber Security Capabilities on Defensive operations, Deep/Dark web handling, and Digital Forensics.
The security conclave was hosted by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), Government of India in association with the National Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar (Gujarat), and the Secretariat of the Colombo Security Conclave, over two days on 10-11 January 2022.
Delegates from Member and Observer States of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) including Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Bangladesh participated in the virtual workshop.
What is Colombo Security Conclave?
The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) is an informal meeting of the deputy national security advisors (DNSAs) from India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, with Bangladesh, Mauritius, and Seychelles as observers.
It was first held on such lines in August 2021 in Colombo, Sri Lanka where the members discussed security cooperation across “four pillars” including maritime security, human trafficking, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity.
What are the Four Pillars of CSC Cooperation?
At the 5th Deputy NSA Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave held on 04 August 2021, Members and Observer States had agreed on four pillars of cooperation that included-
- Maritime Safety and Security,
- Terrorism and Radicalization,
- Trafficking and Organized Crime, and
- Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure.
Theme of the Workshop
The present workshop was the inaugural activity under the fourth pillar that is “Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure”.
It addressed key areas of Deep Web and Dark Net Investigation and Challenges; Digital Forensics; Cyber Threat intelligence; and Defensive Operations in Cyber Domain.
Discussions focused on technological advancements, research challenges, and approaches in these areas. Participants also shared their experiences in dealing with cyber security threats and discussed solutions to specific cyber security challenges.
Participants agreed to identify key deliverables and continue to work on the way forward for cooperation on cyber security under the Colombo Security Conclave.
CSC Focused Operation
It may be recalled that in November 2021, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka agreed on a ‘CSC Focused Operation’ to keep the vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping, international trade, and the conduct of legitimate maritime activities.
Focused Operation was supposed to help build understanding and interoperability between the lead maritime security agencies, and facilitate the institution of measures to prevent and suppress transnational crimes in the region.
It was envisaged to enhance the operational synergy by exchange of information and conduct of coordinated operations to handle maritime incidents and accidents.