Ajit Doval leads high-stakes security talks as Colombo Conclave nations push for deeper cooperation

Doval hosted his counterparts from Member States including Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Seychelles participated as an Observer State, and Malaysia as a Guest.

The CSC was formed to promote closer cooperation between Member States on vital matters of security and to strengthen partnerships for enhancing regional security in the Indian Ocean Region.

The signing ceremony for the Founding Documents of the CSC was held in Sri Lanka in August 2024.

"At the 7th NSA level meeting, the first Secretary General, appointed by India, presented a comprehensive review to the CSC Member States on the decisions taken at the 6th NSA level meeting in Mauritius on 7-8 December 2023 and activities undertaken since then under the five pillars of cooperation, 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," read the statement issued by the MEA.

The participating representatives reiterated their commitment to the vision and objectives of CSC.

The CSC Members welcomed the decision of Republic of Seychelles to accede to the CSC as a full member.

The delegation from Seychelles was led by Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, Republic of Seychelles Defence Forces.

Malaysia participated as a Guest for the first time and was represented by Badrul Shah Mohd Idris, Deputy Director General of the Malaysian National Security Council.