Bangladesh NSA Khalilur Rahman Visits India for Colombo Security Conclave Amid Strained Diplomatic Relations

Bangladesh was officially welcomed in 2024 as the fifth member state of the Colombo Security Conclave.

Bangladesh's National Security Adviser (NSA) Khalilur Rahman, a close aide of interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, is visiting India amid strained bilateral relations to participate in a regional security conclave. This visit represents one of the most significant diplomatic engagements from Bangladesh's current establishment since Sheikh Hasina's government collapsed in August 2024.

Rahman arrived in Delhi a day before the scheduled Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) meeting. Analysts monitoring Bangladesh believe this visit indicates ongoing dialogue between both nations, particularly following the recent death sentence handed to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who currently resides in exile in Delhi.

According to an official statement from Dhaka, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval extended the invitation to Rahman to attend this regional security forum.

The visit follows Bangladesh's recent diplomatic engagements with Pakistan, including meetings with high-ranking Pakistani military officials such as General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of Pakistan's Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). Rahman's presence at these meetings has been notable as he holds considerable influence in Bangladesh's current power structure.

New Delhi has interpreted these developments as Muhammad Yunus showing preferential treatment to Pakistan over India in sectors including bilateral trade, investment, and defense cooperation.

Bangladesh's recent actions have raised concerns in India, particularly plans to revitalize the Lalmonirhat airbase, situated just 20 kilometers from India's border near West Bengal's Cooch Behar district. The strategic location of this airbase near India's Siliguri Corridor – commonly referred to as the "Chicken's Neck" – has heightened security concerns, especially following controversial statements from senior Bangladesh officials.

The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) functions as a regional platform established to enhance cooperation between member states on critical security matters and strengthen partnerships for bolstering regional security across the Indian Ocean region.

The 7th Meeting of National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the CSC is scheduled for Thursday in New Delhi.

NSA Ajit Doval will host counterparts from member states including Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Seychelles will participate as an observer state, while Malaysia has received a special invitation as a guest.

Bangladesh was formally welcomed in 2024 as the fifth member state of the Colombo Security Conclave, joining India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Maldives.

"The 7th Meeting of the NSAs will provide an opportunity for participants to review activities under various cooperation pillars, including Maritime Safety and Security, Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation, Combating Transnational Organised Crime, Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Discussions will also focus on the Roadmap and Action Plan for 2026," stated the Ministry of External Affairs.

The two-day gathering will bring together senior security officials from member and observer states of the CSC – a regional initiative designed to strengthen cooperation on maritime security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and transnational crime throughout the Indian Ocean region. The CSC's fundamental purpose is to enhance regional security by addressing common transnational threats and challenges facing member states.