NEW DELHI: India reaffirmed its dedication to regional stability as National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval chaired the 7th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave in New Delhi. The summit, which brought together the top security officials from core member nations—Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh—aimed to strengthen cooperative efforts across the strategically important Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Doval emphasized that the security of the IOR is a collective responsibility. “The Indian Ocean is the engine that drives economies; it is our greatest heritage,” he said at the conclave held on Thursday. “As nations bound by shared maritime geographies, we are duty-bound to ensure the safety, security, and stability of this vital region.” He highlighted that the success of the conclave lies in the shared vision, regular consultations, and the alignment of objectives among the member states.
The key focus of the meeting, Doval explained, was to enhance cooperation across five key pillars: Maritime Safety and Security, Countering Terrorism and Radicalization, Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime, Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
A key commitment made by member states was to expand joint training programs and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen collective security efforts.
A significant development during the conclave was the decision to welcome Seychelles as a full member of the group, greatly expanding the geographic reach of the Conclave. In addition, Malaysia participated for the first time as a guest nation, further broadening the regional engagement.
The discussions underscored the growing importance of multilateral cooperation in safeguarding the Indian Ocean Region, with member nations pledging to work closely together to address shared security challenges.
