New Delhi: In a significant shift in strategy, the Maldives, under the leadership of President Mohamed Muizzu, has aligned with Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and India to strengthen regional maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This strategic move was formalized at the national security advisor (NSA) level on September 30, with the signing of the Charter of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The CSC’s charter was signed by key national security figures: Sagala Ratnayaka, NSA to the President of Sri Lanka; Ibrahim Latheef, NSA of the Maldives; Haymandoyal Dillim, High Commissioner of Mauritius to Sri Lanka; and Ajit Doval, NSA to the Prime Minister of India. Although Bangladesh, an observer state, did not attend the conclave, Seychelles participated, indicating broader regional interest in the initiative.
The CSC aims to address a wide array of security concerns through six key “Pillars of Cooperation”:
•Maritime safety and security.
•Countering terrorism and radicalization.
•Combating trafficking and organized crime.
•Cybersecurity.
•Protection of critical infrastructure.
•Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The agreement highlights the need for enhanced coordination among member states to tackle transnational organized crime, including narcotics, arms, and human trafficking. It also underscores the importance of sharing intelligence on counter-terrorism, radicalization, cyber threats, and transnational criminal networks. Additionally, the CSC framework includes capacity-building initiatives such as training courses, joint exercises, workshops, and skill development programs.
Moreover, the member states will collaborate in various specialized fields, including oceanography, hydrography, maritime security, marine pollution, maritime law, marine archaeology, and the protection of marine resources.
The CSC’s operational structure will involve consensus-driven decisions, regular dialogue between NSAs and Deputy NSAs, and institutionalized working groups. The Conclave’s Secretariat will be based in Colombo, with a Secretary General overseeing the group’s activities.
This move signifies a commitment by the Narendra Modi government to support regional partners in capacity building without political interference. The inclusion of the Maldives in this security initiative signals President Mohamed Muizzu’s intent to foster closer cooperation with India and other regional powers, rather than relying on external influences beyond the Indian Ocean Region.
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