National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has asserted that ensuring the safety, security, and stability of the Indian Ocean region is the responsibility of the countries that share its maritime geography. Addressing the 7th Meeting of the National Security Advisors of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in New Delhi on November 20, 2025, Doval emphasized the critical role of the Indian Ocean for regional states, calling it "our biggest heritage" and "the engine that propels our economies".
Doval highlighted the increasing significance of the CSC in a rapidly changing and challenging global security environment. He recalled the decision in 2020 to establish the Colombo Security Conclave to reinforce cooperation on vital security matters among countries in the Indian Ocean Region. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the 6th NSA meeting in Maharashtra in December 2023, noting that engagements have gained momentum.
The meeting, hosted by Doval, brought together top security officials from the Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Seychelles participated as an Observer member, while Malaysia joined the security dialogue for the first time as a Guest. The discussions centered on strengthening cooperation among Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries on several key areas, including maritime safety, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and responses to transnational organized crime and disasters.
Doval called for shaping an open and rules-based maritime environment, emphasizing the need to nurture an inclusive maritime domain and conformity to a rule-based order. He also stressed the importance of joint stewardship of maritime resources and the preservation of the common maritime heritage. He reaffirmed India's commitment to working closely with all CSC countries to enhance collective capacities in dealing with evolving and emerging security challenges.
During the meeting, the first Secretary General of the CSC, appointed by India, presented a detailed review of the progress made since the 6th NSA-level meeting held in Mauritius in December 2023 and activities undertaken across the Conclave's five pillars: * Maritime Safety and Security * Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation * Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime * Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology * Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
Bangladesh's NSA, Khalilur Rahman, called for stronger collective action among CSC member states to confront cybersecurity, misinformation, and disinformation challenges. He emphasized the need for unified regional measures and urged CSC members to implement collective responses to cyber threats and misinformation.
On the sidelines of the CSC meeting, Doval held comprehensive discussions with his Bangladesh counterpart, Khalilur Rahman, focusing on enhancing cooperation in security, counterterrorism, and regional stability. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening intelligence sharing, border management, and coordinated efforts to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, and cross-border crimes.
The Colombo Security Conclave was formed to promote closer cooperation among Member States on vital security matters and to strengthen partnerships to enhance regional security in the Indian Ocean region. The 6th Meeting of the NSAs of CSC was held in December 2023 in Mauritius, and Member States met again during the Signing Ceremony for the Founding Documents of CSC in Sri Lanka in August 2024.
