Regional Security Leaders Unite at 7th Colombo Security Conclave
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval chaired the seventh high-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave in New Delhi on Thursday, bringing together security chiefs from key Indian Ocean nations. The gathering included representatives from Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Seychelles, and Malaysia, marking a significant step in regional security cooperation.
Expanding Membership and Security Priorities
The meeting witnessed a notable expansion as Seychelles officially joined the Colombo Security Conclave as a full member, strengthening the organization's regional footprint. Malaysia participated as a special guest, indicating growing interest in the security framework.
During the intensive discussions, the security advisors focused on five critical pillars of cooperation: maritime safety and security, countering terrorism and radicalization, combating trafficking and transnational organized crime, cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Addressing Immediate Security Challenges
The conclave convened at a crucial time when the region faces multiple security threats, including recent terror incidents in Delhi, human trafficking for cybercrime operations, and persistent maritime security challenges. Sources revealed that participants extensively discussed security challenges and threat perceptions originating from within the region and beyond.
The newly appointed Secretary General, selected by India, presented a comprehensive review of decisions made during the sixth NSA-level meeting held in Mauritius on December 7-8, 2023. The report detailed activities undertaken across all five cooperation pillars since the previous gathering.
High-Level Participation and Future Cooperation
The delegations featured prominent security officials, including Ibrahim Latheef from Maldives, Rahul Rasgotra representing Mauritius, and Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha from Sri Lanka. Bangladesh's delegation was led by Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman, while Seychelles participated through Major General Michael Rosette, and Malaysia sent Badrul Shah Mohd Idris.
The Colombo Security Conclave, established to promote closer security cooperation among member states, continues to strengthen partnerships for enhancing regional security across the Indian Ocean Region. The organization's founding documents were formally signed in Sri Lanka in August 2024, providing a solid foundation for ongoing collaborative efforts.
This latest meeting underscores the growing importance of multilateral security cooperation in addressing complex challenges that transcend national boundaries, from terrorism to maritime threats and cybercrime networks.
