Establishment of Colombo Security Conclave Secretariat seen a major step in regional security cooperation

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

The meeting hosted by the Sri Lankan government on August 30 in Colombo, saw the participation of key security leaders from the member states, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. His presence highlights India’s crucial role in shaping the security architecture of the Indian Ocean Region, a much-focused and heavily visited sea area for global trade and strategic interests.

The Colombo Security Conclave, initially 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. Mauritius became a full member and Bangladesh and Seychelles as observers.

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 group’s focus on these areas bring into line closely with India’s strategic priorities, particularly under 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 extensive national security experience and strategic foresight in addressing regional threats. His leadership is instrumental in guiding the Conclave’s agenda, particularly in countering China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.

China’s ever-growing presence, marked by its military base in Djibouti, management of strategic ports like 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 operations, like the “CSC Focused Operation,” are critical in safeguarding commercial shipping lanes and legitimate maritime activities in the Indian Ocean.

India’s recent support to countries like Mauritius and Seychelles, whether through maritime assistance or capacity building, exemplifies its commitment to regional security and development.

Last year in December, the Maldives’ absence from the CSC dialogue in Mauritius raised questions about the Maldives’ commitment, and many analysts said that the new government of Maldives was drifting away from India and going towards China.

However, as seen in the latest developments, the Maldives’ renewed engagement with the CSC suggests a recalibration of its diplomatic stance, possibly influenced by rebuilding trust between India and Maldives in recent months.

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

While 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, as well as representatives from various political parties, including those from the North, East, and upcountry regions. The Sri Lankan national elections are likely to be held in early 2025.