Ajit Doval attends 6th colombo security conclave in Mauritius, emphasises regional collaboration

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval arrived in Mauritius on Wednesday to partake in the 6th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave. This significant assembly brings together India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and now Mauritius as its fourth member.

Inclusion and expansion

The Colombo Security Conclave, initially named the Trilateral for Maritime Security Cooperation, witnessed its fifth meeting hosted by the Maldives last year. During this gathering, the NSAs delved into pivotal discussions emphasising the imperative need for close cooperation among member and observer countries, focusing on maritime safety, security, countering terrorism, and radicalisation.

The inclusion of Mauritius as a member and Bangladesh and Seychelles as observers further broadened the conclave's scope. In response to the maritime challenges faced by the region, NSAs acknowledged their roles as first responders, underscoring the necessity for strengthened cooperation among maritime neighbors.

Focus on maritime safety and security

NSA Doval, echoing the sentiment, emphasised the need for bolstered collaboration among maritime nations to effectively address shared security challenges, particularly as first responders in the region.

The evolution of the conclave has been remarkable, stemming from the fourth NSA-level meeting in Colombo in November 2020, where India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives agreed to broaden its scope and membership, leading to its rechristening as the Colombo Security Conclave. A permanent Secretariat in Colombo was established to oversee and implement decisions taken at the NSA level, streamlining the conclave's activities.

Recent meetings have seen virtual participation due to the prevailing circumstances. The 7th Deputy NSA-level meeting in July 2023 was hosted by the Maldives, wherein member states India, Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka convened virtually, with Bangladesh and Seychelles participating as observers.

Emphasis on cooperation

The Indian delegation, led by Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri, along with counterparts from the Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, discussed matters of strategic importance, led by respective heads of their national security establishments.

The meetings serve as a pivotal platform for these nations to collectively address pressing security concerns and foster regional stability, highlighting the significance of collaboration in tackling complex maritime challenges.

The Colombo Security Conclave continues to stand as a beacon of regional cooperation, affirming commitments to ensuring the safety and security of the Indian Ocean region.