A three-day Table Top Exercise (TTX) conducted under the aegis of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) concluded on Friday at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. Delegations and maritime security experts from CSC member states and observer nations participated in simulated operational scenarios over more than 72 hours, focusing on coordinated responses to maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.
The exercise addressed several complex non-traditional security threats, including maritime terrorism, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. According to the Ministry of Defence, the discussions were aimed at strengthening coordination among participating countries and improving their ability to respond collectively to illicit maritime activities.
The exercise began on Wednesday with an opening address by Rear Admiral Manoj Jha, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Eastern Naval Command. The exercise focused on developing a coordinated response to illicit maritime activities in the Indian Ocean Region, with participants working through simulated situations designed to assess existing mechanisms and operational coordination.
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During the exercise, participants reviewed existing Standard Operating Procedures and worked to streamline information-sharing arrangements. These measures were aimed at strengthening collective Maritime Domain Awareness and improving the flow of relevant information among maritime security agencies of participating countries.
The Ministry of Defence said the exercise reaffirmed the collective resolve of Colombo Security Conclave nations to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The initiative is also aligned with the vision of MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, which focuses on strengthening security and cooperation across the wider region.
The exercise builds on broader CSC efforts to deepen cooperation across its identified areas of security. At the seventh National Security Advisor-level meeting held in New Delhi last November, member states reiterated their commitment to the CSC's objectives, while Seychelles participated as an observer and Malaysia as a guest nation. The five pillars of cooperation include maritime safety and security, countering terrorism and radicalisation, combating trafficking and transnational organised crime, cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure and technology, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
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