Colombo Security Conclave takes steps to strengthen regional security cooperation
| 2024-08-30
National Security Advisors and representatives from India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius meet in Colombo on August 30, 2024
The Colombo Security Conclave was formed in 2020 with a focus on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and cy
In a significant step towards smoother regional security collaboration, the Member States of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) have signed the Charter and the MoU for the Establishment of the CSC Secretariat on 30 August 2024. The Signing Ceremony was hosted in Colombo by the Government of Sri Lanka on Friday (August 30, 2024).
The Colombo Security Conclave brings together National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Deputy NSAs from India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Mauritius on issues related to maritime security, counter-terrorism and cyber security. Bangladesh and the Seychelles have observer status at the Conclave.
The documents were signed on behalf of the respective Member States by Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of India; Ibrahim Latheef, DC (Retd.), Lt. Col (Retd.), National Security Advisor of Maldives; Haymandoyal Dillum, High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to Sri Lanka and Sagala Ratnayake, National Security Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka.
Announcing the development, a joint press statement said the CSC’s core objective is to promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to the Member States.
There are five pillars of cooperation under the CSC namely 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.
"The event concluded with a discussion among heads of delegation on the next steps and the future activities of the Conclave," the statement added.
The Colombo Security Conclave was formed in 2020, evolving from the 2011 trilateral maritime security grouping of India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The roadmap of activities was later expanded, with Mauritius joining as the fourth member in 2022 and Bangladesh & Seychelles participating as observer countries. The Conclave underlines regional cooperation and shared security objectives concerning all littoral nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
While in Colombo, NSA Doval held a discussion with his Sri Lankan counterpart NSA Ratnayaka and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.
"Was a privilege to welcome my Indian counterpart, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, to my Colombo residence for an insightful discussion on national security ahead of the Colombo Security Conclave. Grateful for his visit & our shared commitment to regional peace & security," posts Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka.
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