سيعقد الاجتماع السابع على مستوى الوكالة القومية للأمن ضمن ندوة كولومبو للأمن في الهند في وقت لاحق من هذا العام
The 8th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA) level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), hosted virtually by Mauritius on July 10, 2024, saw Bangladesh being officially welcomed as the fifth Member State. The country joins India, Mauritius, Maldives, and Sri Lanka as a member of the CSC. Seychelles participated in the meeting as an Observer State.
 
The Colombo Security Conclave, established in 2020, has rapidly evolved into a crucial regional security grouping. Initially founded by India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives to enhance maritime cooperation, the CSC expanded its membership with Mauritius joining during the fifth meeting in Male in March 2022. The inclusion of Bangladesh marks another pivotal step in strengthening regional security collaboration.

During the meeting, the member states reviewed the progress of activities outlined in the CSC's Roadmap for 2023-2024. They also assessed the implementation of decisions taken at previous high-level meetings, including the 7th DNSA level meeting hosted by the Maldives in July 2023 and the 6th NSA level meeting in Mauritius in December 2023.

The representatives at the meeting included Lt. Gen. Mizanur Rahman Shameem, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Prime Minister’s Office, People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, Deputy National Security Adviser (Internal Affairs), Republic of India; Major General (Retd.) Hameed Shafeeg, Deputy National Security Adviser, Republic of Maldives; Mr. Yoidhisteer Thecka, Principal Coordinator Security Matters, Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of Mauritius; and General LHSC Silva, Chief of Defence Staff, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The CSC Secretariat in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was represented by Acting Secretary Commodore AD Weerasinghe, while the Seychelles delegation was led by Lt Col Michael Hollanda, Commander of Land Force, Seychelles Defence Forces.

The discussions were wide-ranging, focusing on key security concerns and collaborative measures. Member states emphasized the importance of joint efforts in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, and disaster response. The virtual format did not hinder the depth of the discussions, with delegates actively participating in shaping the future direction of the CSC.
 
One of the notable outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to hold the 7th NSA level meeting of the CSC in India later this year. This upcoming meeting is expected to further consolidate the CSC’s initiatives and ensure that the collaborative measures are effectively implemented.

The inclusion of Bangladesh as a full member is expected to significantly enhance the CSC’s capabilities. Lt. Gen. Mizanur Rahman Shameem expressed his country's commitment to contributing actively to the CSC's objectives. He highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic importance in the region and its readiness to collaborate on shared security challenges.
 
India’s Deputy National Security Adviser Pankaj Kumar Singh reaffirmed India’s dedication to the CSC. He emphasized the importance of regional security cooperation in maintaining stability and addressing emerging threats. Singh’s comments were echoed by the other representatives, who all acknowledged the CSC’s role in fostering a secure and stable regional environment.

The CSC’s evolution from a trilateral meeting focused on maritime cooperation to a comprehensive security conclave with five member states and an observer state underscores its growing significance. The past meetings, such as the 6th NSA level meeting in Mauritius and the 7th DNSA level meeting in the Maldives, laid the groundwork for the CSC’s current initiatives and strategic direction.
 
During the meeting, the member states reiterated their commitment to the CSC’s core principles and objectives. They acknowledged the progress made so far and expressed optimism about future initiatives. The roadmap for 2023-2024 includes a range of activities aimed at enhancing regional security cooperation, capacity building, and information sharing.

The 8th DNSA level meeting of the CSC marks a pivotal moment in regional security cooperation. With Bangladesh joining as a full member and Seychelles participating as an observer, the CSC is poised to play an even more critical role in addressing the security challenges of the region.
 
The upcoming 7th NSA level meeting in India will be a key event, providing an opportunity for the member states to review progress, discuss strategic issues, and plan future initiatives. As the CSC continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the collective commitment of its member states to ensure regional security and stability.

The Colombo Security Conclave’s efforts to foster collaboration, enhance mutual trust, and build strong security mechanisms are crucial for the peace and prosperity of the region. As the member states continue to work together, the CSC is set to become a cornerstone of regional security architecture.