Establishment of the Colombo Security Conclave Secretariat seen as an important step in regional security cooperation

New Delhi, August 31: The signing of the Charter and the MoU for the establishment of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Secretariat in Colombo on 30 August marks a significant step forward in regional security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

The meeting hosted by the Sri Lankan government in Colombo on August 30 saw the participation of key security leaders from the member states, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. His presence underscores India’s crucial role in shaping the security architecture of the Indian Ocean region, a highly focused and heavily trafficked maritime area for global trade and strategic interests.

The Colombo Security Conclave, originally formed in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security group comprising India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, has evolved into a healthier platform with expanded membership, with Mauritius becoming a full member and Bangladesh and Seychelles as observers.

The main objective of the CSC is to promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common interest to the Member States.

Cooperation under the CSC covers five pillars, namely maritime safety and security; counter-terrorism and radicalisation; combating human trafficking and transnational organised crime; cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure and technology; and humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

The Group’s focus on these areas aligns closely with India’s strategic priorities, particularly in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR).

Ajit Doval’s involvement in the CSC is crucial given his vast experience in national security and strategic foresight in addressing regional threats. His leadership is instrumental in steering the agenda of the Conclave, particularly in countering China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.

China’s ever-growing presence, marked by its military base in Djibouti, control of strategic ports such as Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka, in Bangladesh and increasing naval activities near India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, has always been a concern for New Delhi.

The group’s activities, such as the “CSC Focused Operation”, are critical to protecting commercial shipping lanes and legitimate maritime activities in the Indian Ocean.

India’s recent support to countries like Mauritius and Seychelles, whether in the form of maritime assistance or capacity building, is an example of India’s commitment to regional security and development.

Last December, the Maldives’ absence from the CSC dialogue in Mauritius raised questions about the Maldives’ commitment. Many analysts also said that the new Maldives government was turning away from India and towards China.

However, recent developments indicate that the Maldives’ renewed engagement in the CSC signals a recalibration of the country’s diplomatic stance, possibly influenced by the rebuilding of trust between India and the Maldives in recent months.

During his visit to Colombo, Ajit Doval called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. He also met his counterparts from the CSC member states, including Sri Lanka’s National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka and Maldives National Security Advisor Ibrahim Latheef.

During his stay in Colombo, Ajit Doval interacted with key political figures such as the Leader of the Opposition and leader of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Sajith Premadasa, Member of Parliament and leader of National People’s Power (NPP), Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and representatives of various political parties including those from the Northern, Eastern and Upcountry regions. Sri Lanka’s national elections are likely to be held in early 2025.