Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Khalilur Rahman reached New Delhi last evening, a day earlier than scheduled, for the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) meeting. The Chief Adviser’s press wing said, National Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval had extended the invitation to Dr Rahman to attend this regional forum.

The two-day gathering will bring together top security officials from member and observer states of the CSC – a regional initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation on maritime security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and transnational crime across the Indian Ocean region. The CSC’s core objective is to promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to the Member States.

There are five pillars of cooperation under the CSC, namely Maritime Safety and Security; Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation; Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime; Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology; and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Bangladesh was officially welcomed in 2024 as the fifth Member State of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), a grouping that includes India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the Maldives. Seychelles participates with observer status.