India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, has made a significant diplomatic move by attending the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in Sri Lanka, an event that has raised alarms in Beijing. Doval’s presence in Colombo is part of India’s broader strategy to bolster its security apparatus across the Indian Ocean, from the Maldives to Mauritius, in response to China’s expanding influence in the region.
Strengthening ties with Sri Lanka amidst election tensions
China’s cautious eye on Colombo
The Colombo Security Conclave: A fortress of regional cooperation
The Colombo Security Conclave, established in 2011, has become a pivotal forum for regional security discussions. The recent gathering focused on critical issues such as maritime security, countering terrorism, cyber security, and transnational organized crime. India, leveraging its position as a regional powerhouse, has shared its strategic concerns regarding the Indian Ocean, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to counter shared threats.
The conclave saw a significant development with the signing of the Charter and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the CSC Secretariat. This signing, hosted by the Sri Lankan government, marks a milestone in regional security cooperation. Doval, along with representatives from Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, inked the agreements, signalling a unified approach to addressing the security challenges facing the region.
Also ReadIndia’s Defence Revolution: Targeting Rs 3 Lakh Crore Production and Rs 50,000 Crore Exports by 2029
India’s strategic posture in the Indian ocean
China’s ambitions in the Indian Ocean are no secret. With three Chinese warships recently docking in Sri Lanka, following the lifting of a 12-month ban on Chinese naval vessels, the stakes have never been higher. India’s response has been equally assertive, with the Indian Navy’s INS Mumbai warship making a three-day visit to Colombo. The simultaneous presence of Indian and Chinese warships in Sri Lankan waters underscores the intense strategic rivalry playing out in the regi
India’s proactive engagement through the CSC is a clear indication of its determination to counterbalance China’s influence. The five pillars of cooperation under the CSC—Maritime Safety and Security, Countering Terrorism and Radicalization, Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime, Cyber Security, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief—highlight the comprehensive approach India is adopting to secure its interests.
The road ahead for India’s strategic ambitions
The Colombo Security Conclave serves as a critical platform for India to solidify its security ties with regional partners. Doval’s participation and the subsequent signing of the CSC Secretariat agreements are significant steps in enhancing regional security cooperation. As China continues to assert its presence in the Indian Ocean, India’s strategic manoeuvres, led by Doval, will play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power in this geopolitically sensitive region.