Given the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region, the navies of India, Sri Lanka and Maldives are engaged in an intense multilateral maritime exercise named ‘Colombo Security Conclave Focused Operation.’

It is the maiden two-day exercise of this nature between the lead Maritime Security Agencies of India, Maldives and Sri Lanka ending on Sunday, navy officials said here on Sunday.

Giving details of the exercise, they said ships and aircraft of Indian Navy, Maldives National Defence Force and Sri Lankan Navy are participating and operating over a vast area in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the three countries in the Southern Arabian Sea.

A trilateral Table Top Exercise between the three navies was conducted on July 14 and 15 July this year.  The three countries had participated in the 5th Deputy National Security Advisors (NSA) – level meeting of Colombo Security Conclave on August four wherein ways of enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region were deliberated upon.

The ‘CSC Focused Operation’ is being conducted with an aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping, international trade and conduct of legitimate maritime activities.

The exercise will help build understanding and interoperability between the lead maritime security agencies, and facilitate institution of measures to prevent and suppress transnational crimes in the region. It will further enhance the operational synergy by exchange of information and conduct of coordinated operations to handle maritime incidents and accidents.

The conduct of ‘CSC Focused Operation’ exemplifies the deep trilateral engagement between India, Maldives and Sri Lanka, and emphasises their commitment to promote peace, and security in the region, officials said.