Colombo Security Conclave Welcomes Bangladesh as Fifth Member

The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), a regional security grouping, welcomed Bangladesh as its fifth member at the 8th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA) level meeting hosted virtually by Mauritius. The CSC includes India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Maldives, with Seychelles participating as an Observer State.

Key Developments

Membership Expansion

Bangladesh was officially welcomed into the CSC, expanding the grouping that initially included India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Mauritius joined in March 2022, and Bangladesh’s inclusion further strengthens the regional security framework.

8th DNSA Level Meeting

The meeting was attended by representatives from India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Seychelles. They reviewed progress on the CSC’s Roadmap of Activities for 2023-2024 and decisions from previous meetings.

Key Participants

• India: Represented by Pankaj Kumar Singh, Deputy National Security Adviser (Internal Affairs).
• Bangladesh: Represented by Lt. Gen. Mizanur Rahman Shameem, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Prime Minister’s Office.
• Maldives: Represented by Major General (Retd.) Hameed Shafeeg, Deputy National Security Adviser.
• Mauritius: Represented by Yoidhisteer Thecka, Principal Coordinator Security Matters in the Prime Minister’s Office.
• Sri Lanka: Represented by General LHSC Silva, Chief of Defence Staff.
• Seychelles: Represented by Lt Col Michael Hollanda, Commander of Land Force, Seychelles Defence Forces.
• CSC Secretariat: Represented by Acting Secretary Commodore AD Weerasinghe.

Future Meetings

7th NSA Level Meeting

Scheduled to be held in India later this year, building on the discussions and agreements from previous meetings.

Historical Context

Formation and Evolution

The CSC was established in 2020 to expand the scope of maritime cooperation among India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Mauritius joined in 2022, and Bangladesh’s inclusion marks a significant expansion of the conclave’s membership and regional influence.

Review of Previous Meetings

6th NSA Level Meeting

Held in Mauritius on December 7-8, 2023, attended by India’s NSA Ajit Doval, along with representatives from Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Bangladesh.

7th DNSA Level Meeting

Hosted virtually by Maldives on July 12, 2023, where key decisions and activities were discussed and reviewed.