Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Meeting
The 7th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was held, attended by National Security Advisors (NSAs) from Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Seychelles, and Malaysia.
Key Areas of Discussion
- Enhancing cooperation under five identified pillars:
- Maritime safety and security
- Countering terrorism and radicalization
- Combating trafficking and transnational organized crime
- Cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure and technology
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, including training and capacity building
- Review of decisions from the 6th NSA-level meeting held in Mauritius on 7-8 December 2023
Significant Developments
- The Republic of Seychelles was welcomed as a full member of the CSC, amidst regional challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, and maritime security threats.
- Discussion on security challenges and threat perceptions in the region and beyond.
Participants and Delegations
- Delegations were led by:
- Ibrahim Latheef, NSA of the Maldives
- Rahul Rasgotra, NSA of Mauritius
- Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka
- Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman, NSA of Bangladesh
- Seychelles participated as an observer state, and Malaysia as a guest.
- Delegation from Seychelles led by Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces.
- Malaysia represented by Badrul Shah Mohd Idris, Deputy Director General of the Malaysian National Security Council.
Purpose of CSC
The CSC was established to promote closer cooperation among member states on security issues and to enhance regional security in the Indian Ocean Region. The Founding Documents of the CSC were signed in Sri Lanka in August 2024.
