60th Munich Security Conference

Context: Union External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Blinken had a significant meeting during Germany’s 60th Munich Security Conference, where they engaged in discussions and exchanged views on various matters.

Key Points:

• During the Munich Security Conference, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and praised her for her contributions to strengthening relations between India and Bangladesh. 
• This was their first meeting since Hasina’s reelection for a fifth term. Jaishankar also had discussions with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus regarding traditional medicine and preparedness for pandemics. 
• Additionally, Jaishankar held meetings with other foreign officials such as US Secretary of State Blinken and German Foreign Minister Baerbock to address global challenges and promote bilateral cooperation.

Munich Security Conference: 

• In the past forty years, the Munich Security Conference has been the paramount forum for the global security policymakers to exchange ideas and discuss them in a neutral environment.
• Every year a gathering of more than 350 senior officials from 70+ countries meet up to debate a number of security threats.
• Attendees include world leaders, representatives of international organisations, officials of the different sectors of the government such as the military, civil society, science, media, and business personalities.
• Every February, the meeting is held at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel, in Munich, Germany.

Development and changes over time of the conference:

• When MSC was established in 1963, it was just an organisation where the leaders were discussing the problems in a casual manner.
• Most of them were concerned about the Cold War; this was a big deal in the world which people all suffered from for a long time.
• Further on the conference turned into a place where heads of states could discuss their issues and seek agreements, even if they were not only about the East-West relationship.
• And the recent conference became the platform where they invited the leaders of the countries with uncompromising rulers or where they don’t see eye to eye to come discuss.

Objective of the Conference:

• Senior politicians, diplomats, and security experts from various countries, including NATO and the EU, are coming together for a conference on defence and security policies with a focus on peace through dialogue. 
• The conference aims to discuss current security issues and challenges, emphasising the importance of networked security. 
• Topics will include the future of transatlantic relations and global security in the 21st century. 
• While the conference is not government-sponsored and does not lead to binding decisions, it provides a platform for high-level discussions and private conversations among attendees.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Prelims Practice Question:

Q.Which of the following is/are correct about the Munich Security Conference?

1. It focuses only on military issues.
2. It is held biennially.

Choose the correct one

a.Only 1

b.Only 2

c.Both

d.None

Ans: “a”

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