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Context
Recently, on 20 November 2025, the 7th meeting of the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of the Colombo Security Conclave was held in New Delhi, where in-depth discussions were conducted on regional security challenges and the future roadmap of cooperation. The inclusion of Seychelles as a full member and the participation of Malaysia as a guest in this meeting highlight the growing relevance of this grouping. This development represents an important step towards realizing India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
What is the Colombo Security Conclave?
The Colombo Security Conclave is a regional security grouping in the Indian Ocean Region aimed at establishing close cooperation among member countries for maritime domain awareness, counter-terrorism, and control of organized crimes.
- Establishment: It began in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security group among India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, and was revived and expanded in 2020.
- Current Full Members: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and recently included Seychelles.
- Objective: To promote a cooperative, inclusive, and peaceful maritime environment, ensuring the development and security of all regional stakeholders.
Why in News?
The recent meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave was significant for several reasons:
- Expansion of Membership: The inclusion of Seychelles as a full member has extended the geographical reach of the Colombo Security Conclave to the Western Indian Ocean, enhancing overall security coverage.
- Guest Participation: Malaysia’s participation as a guest has opened possibilities for strengthening maritime cooperation between the Indian Ocean Region and Southeast Asia.
- Focus on Challenges: Amid growing geopolitical competition, maritime piracy, illegal trafficking, and climate change–induced challenges in the Indian Ocean, the Colombo Security Conclave provides a vital platform for a shared and coordinated response.
Key Themes
The meeting focused on five major pillars of regional cooperation:
S. No. | Pillar of Cooperation | Key Discussion Points |
1. | Maritime Security and Safety | Enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), information-sharing mechanisms, and conducting joint maritime exercises. |
2. | Countering Terrorism and Radicalization | Sharing intelligence and best practices to address cross-border terrorism and online radicalization. |
3. | Combating International Organized Crime | Preventing drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, human trafficking, and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. |
4. | Cyber Security | Capacity building to protect critical maritime infrastructure (ports, cables) and counter cyberattacks. |
5. | Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) | Strengthening coordination mechanisms for rapid response and relief operations during natural disasters. |
Significance of the Colombo Security Conclave
- Regional Ownership: The Colombo Security Conclave reinforces the idea that the security of the IOR is the collective responsibility of regional countries, thereby reducing the need for external intervention.
- Balancing China’s Growing Presence: It offers a cooperative, alternative-based framework in response to China’s increasing military and economic activities in the Indian Ocean (such as the “String of Pearls” strategy).
- Inclusive Model: It is a non-militarized, cooperative, and consensus-based model, which distinguishes it from other security blocs and makes it more sustainable.
India’s Perspective
India views the Colombo Security Conclave as an important platform for implementing its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
- Regional Leadership: The Colombo Security Conclave positions India as a reliable and responsible regional power that prioritizes the security and development of its neighbours.
- Strategic Depth: The expansion of the group enhances India’s strategic outreach, particularly in the Western Indian Ocean and regions close to Africa.
Analysis
The Colombo Security Conclave is not legally binding like formal groupings such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) or the Quad (QUAD). However, it has been highly successful in confidence-building and cooperation through Track-1 (government-level) diplomacy.
It represents a progressive approach by viewing maritime security as comprehensive security, including cyber security and disaster relief. Nevertheless, its success will depend on how effectively member countries implement their cooperative commitments on the ground.
Way Forward
- Broader Participation: Along with including new members such as Mauritius, Seychelles, and Bangladesh, it is necessary to bring other important coastal countries like Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia as observers in the future.
- Use of Technology: Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and satellite-based surveillance should be increasingly used to strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
- Community-Based Initiatives: Fisher communities, merchant vessels, and local administrations need to be integrated into maritime security efforts.
Conclusion
The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) symbolizes the collective resolve of India and its neighbours to move from being mere ‘providers’ of security to ‘partners’ in security in the Indian Ocean Region. It offers a local, inclusive, and effective template for regional security cooperation. As the geopolitical and geo-economic importance of the Indian Ocean continues to grow, the Colombo Security Conclave will remain an indispensable pillar in ensuring a stable and prosperous region.