The three-day Table Top Exercise of the Colombo Security Conclave concluded on 12 September 2026 at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. The exercise began on 9 September 2026 and focused on a coordinated response to illicit maritime activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
Colombo Security Conclave
The Colombo Security Conclave is a regional maritime security grouping in the Indian Ocean Region. Its framework covers cooperation on maritime security, counter-terrorism, transnational crime, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Table Top Exercise
A Table Top Exercise is a discussion-based simulation used by security and disaster-response agencies. It tests decision-making, coordination, and standard operating procedures through hypothetical operational scenarios.
Maritime Security Themes
The exercise covered maritime terrorism, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Participants also reviewed information-sharing arrangements and standard operating procedures for Maritime Domain Awareness.
Important Facts for Exams
- The Eastern Naval Command is one of the three operational commands of the Indian Navy.
- Visakhapatnam is a major naval base on the eastern coast of India.
- Maritime Domain Awareness refers to the effective understanding of activities at sea that can affect security, safety, and the marine environment.
- Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a recognised global maritime concern linked to resource depletion and maritime governance.
Operational Participation
Delegations and maritime security experts from Colombo Security Conclave member states and observer nations took part in simulated scenarios for more than 72 hours. The exercise used operational coordination to assess collective response mechanisms in the Indian Ocean Region.
