This is the latest example of regional cooperation under the Colombo Security Conclave
In a move aimed at fostering greater regional cooperation, delegates from Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Seychelles attended a month-long course in Oceanography organised by India.

The programme for Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) member nations was hosted by CSIR National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa from January 15, 2024 onwards. It marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among oceanographers and hydrographers. 

The certificate course was a culmination of the maiden CSC Oceanographers and Hydrographers conference held in November 2022 in Goa and Hyderabad, and aimed to deepen understanding and expertise in various facets of Oceanography, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on Monday (February 19, 2024).

Participants delved into topics ranging from marine biology, ocean chemistry, and physics to seafloor geology, marine instrumentation, and archaeology, under the expert guidance of 58 scientists from CSIR-NIO.

In addition to classroom sessions, participants were taken to other ocean-related institutes in the state, such as NIH and NCPOR, to broaden their horizons and foster interdisciplinary learning.

During the welcome address at the concluding ceremony, CSIR-NIO Director Sunil Kumar Singh spoke about strengthening bilateral partnerships among littoral nations in understanding the Indian Ocean Region. This was followed by participants sharing learnings and insights they gained during the course. Singh also distributed certificates to the participants. The course was coordinated by Senior Principal Scientist & Head, Biological Oceanography Division Manguesh Uttam Gauns.

The Colombo Security Conclave was established in 2020 when India, Sri Lanka and Maldives agreed to expand the scope and membership of their Trilateral Meeting on Maritime Cooperation.
 
Mauritius joined the conclave at the 5th NSA-level meeting of the Conclave on March 9-10, 2022 held in Male, Maldives. Bangladesh and Seychelles have been joining the meetings of the erstwhile Trilateral on Maritime Cooperation as well as the Colombo Security Conclave as Observer States.

Over the past two years, Member and Observer States have participated in a number of activities covering areas such as marine pollution, maritime law, coastal security, oceanography and hydrography, countering financing of terrorism, investigation of terrorism cases, narcotics trafficking, cyber-crime and cyber security.

This includes an eight month joint expedition of ocean scientists from India, Bangladesh, and Mauritius which reached its conclusion in July 2023, marking a successful collaborative effort in ocean research and observation.