The National Security Advisers (NSAs) of India, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, along with delegates from Seychelles and Bangladesh, convened in Mauritius for the 6th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) on Thursday.
NSA Ajit Doval, delivering a statement during the meeting, underscored the pivotal role of the CSC in ensuring regional security and stability. He emphasized the importance of sustained engagements across various cooperation pillars. A notable outcome of the gathering was the unanimous agreement on a comprehensive Roadmap of Activities for the year 2024, as reported by India's High Commission to Mauritius.
NSA Doval, who arrived in Mauritius a day prior, reaffirmed the commitment to regional security. The Colombo Security Conclave, initially comprising India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, expanded its membership last year to include Mauritius as the fourth member, with Bangladesh and Seychelles participating as observers.
During the 5th NSA-level meeting held in the Maldives on May 9 last year, discussions centered on the critical need for close cooperation among member and observer countries in maritime safety, security, and the joint efforts to counter terrorism and radicalization.
NSA Doval, acknowledging the collective role of these maritime nations, asserted their position as the first responders in addressing regional security challenges. The importance of strengthening cooperation among maritime neighbors was emphasized to effectively tackle shared security concerns.
The Colombo Security Conclave, previously known as the Trilateral for Maritime Security Cooperation, underwent a transformation at the 4th NSA-level meeting in Colombo on November 28, 2020. India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives decided to expand both the scope and membership of the group, leading to its renaming as the Colombo Security Conclave.
A permanent secretariat, based in Colombo, was established to coordinate all activities of the conclave and ensure the implementation of decisions taken at the NSA level. As the fifth meeting of this high-profile diplomatic forum concludes, the commitment to regional security and collaborative efforts among member nations remains steadfast.
