Pathfinder Foundation

Bay of Bengal Maritime Dialogue Calls for Regional Cooperation to Protect Undersea Cables and Marine Resources The Sixth Bay of Bengal Maritime Dialogue has highlighted the need for stronger regional cooperation to protect critical undersea infrastructure, including submarine communication cables, and address growing maritime security threats and challenges affecting shared marine resources. The two-day dialogue, co-hosted by the Pathfinder Foundation and Switzerland-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), was held at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, bringing together senior officials, diplomats, maritime experts, researchers and regional representatives. Discussions focused on the growing importance of the Bay of Bengal as a major international maritime corridor, with around a quarter of global maritime commerce passing through its waters. Participants highlighted the vulnerabilities of critical undersea infrastructure, particularly submarine cables that carry international telecommunications and internet traffic. They discussed the importance of protecting these vital connections, strengthening regional coordination and improving responses to incidents that could disrupt maritime and digital connectivity. The dialogue also addressed wider maritime security concerns, including geopolitical competition, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, pressure on shared marine resources and the impacts of environmental change. Another key area of discussion was the need to strengthen cooperation among Bay of Bengal littoral states to manage shared maritime spaces, protect marine ecosystems and improve crisis response mechanisms. The second day placed particular emphasis on sustainable fisheries governance, including better data sharing, management of shared fish stocks and measures to prevent illegal fishing and reduce cross-border tensions. A special session titled “From Adoption to Action” brought participants together to identify practical steps to translate previous policy recommendations into tangible regional cooperation. The dialogue’s outcomes will be shared with regional organisations and the governments of Bay of Bengal littoral states. @pathfinderSL @MilindaMoragoda