INCOIS contributes to the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
Overview
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) plays a pivotal technical and scientific role in supporting the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), a key regional initiative aimed at strengthening maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Through its advanced ocean observation systems, operational forecasting capabilities, and research expertise, INCOIS contributes to enhancing maritime domain awareness, disaster preparedness, and humanitarian response among CSC member states.
About the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
The Colombo Security Conclave is a regional security framework established in 2020 to promote cooperation among Indian Ocean countries in addressing shared security challenges.
Member/Invitee Countries: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Seychelles
Key Objectives:
- Strengthening maritime safety and security
- Combating transnational threats (terrorism, trafficking, piracy)
- Enhancing cyber security cooperation
- Promoting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Facilitating information sharing and operational coordination
Operational Approach: The CSC advances cooperation through joint exercises, intelligence and information exchange, and capacity building and technical collaboration.
Role of INCOIS in CSC Framework
INCOIS provides critical oceanographic and forecasting support aligned with CSC priorities:
- Ocean Information and Forecasting Services: High-resolution ocean state forecasts (waves, currents, SST), early warning services for extreme ocean events, and decision-support tools for maritime operations.
- Ocean Information Services Portal: Dedicated dissemination platforms for CSC member countries with real-time access to ocean forecasts, advisories, and customized products for naval, coast guard, and disaster management agencies.
- Scientific Collaboration and Capacity Building: Joint research initiatives, training programs, knowledge-sharing workshops, and technical support for national ocean services.
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Support to HADR Activities: Rapid ocean state assessments during emergencies,
forecast inputs for search and rescue (SAR) operations, and coastal vulnerability and inundation modelling.
Key Initiative: Joint Scientific Expedition (2023)
In July 2023, INCOIS conducted a landmark joint scientific expedition onboard the research vessel ORV Sagar Nidhi, with participation from scientists representing India, Bangladesh, and Mauritius. The expedition focused on ocean observations, data collection, model validation, and strengthening regional collaboration in marine scientific research.
Strategic Significance
The collaboration between INCOIS and the CSC represents a unique integration of operational oceanography with maritime security frameworks â enhancing maritime domain awareness, strengthening disaster resilience, promoting data-driven decision-making, and fostering regional scientific diplomacy.
INCOIS continues to play a transformative role in advancing the objectives of the Colombo Security Conclave, underscoring India's leadership in leveraging ocean science for regional cooperation and sustainable security in the Indian Ocean Region.