A template for security cooperation in the Indian Ocean

Context

• India hosted the 7th National Security Advisor (NSA)-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) on 20 November 2025.

• Participants: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh; Seychelles as new full member; Malaysia as guest.

• The forum aims to deepen maritime and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) amid shifting geopolitics, especially due to China’s expanding footprint.

Background

• CSC origins:

  • Started in 2011 as a trilateral security initiative between India–Sri Lanka–Maldives.

  • Became inactive due to political transitions and divergent priorities.

  • Revived in 2020 with a broadened mandate: maritime security, counter-terrorism, trafficking, organised crime, cybersecurity.

• Membership expansion:

  • Mauritius → full member (2022)

  • Bangladesh → full member (2024)

  • Seychelles → full member (2025)

  • Malaysia → guest participant (2025)

Importance of the Indian Ocean Security Landscape

• Indian Ocean = vital trade and energy routes, 80% of global seaborne oil passes through.

• Region witnessing new geopolitical shifts: Indo-Pacific strategies, China’s maritime rise, naval competition.

• Maritime security = tied with developmental needs (fisheries, tourism, blue economy).

Key Takeaways from the 2025 CSC Summit

1. Expansion & Regional Commitment

• Seychelles joined as a full member → signals regional willingness to institutionalise security cooperation.

• Malaysia’s participation indicates potential for future inclusion → gradual enlargement of the security architecture.

2. India’s Strategic Interests

• India seeks stronger engagement with key maritime neighbours amid:

  • China’s growing presence (“string of pearls”, dual-use ports).

  • Fragmented IOR security architecture.

3. Centrality of Non-Traditional Security

• CSC’s core areas:

  • Maritime safety & security

  • Counter-terrorism

  • Human trafficking & drug trafficking

  • Organised crime

  • Cybersecurity

  • Maritime domain awareness (MDA)

4. Coupling of Security & Development

• For small Indian Ocean littorals:

  • Maritime security = tied to livelihoods, fisheries, blue economy, shipping, tourism.

  • Economic vulnerabilities drive dependence on external partners (including China).

Key Challenges for CSC

1. Divergence on the “China Question”

• India views China’s IOR presence as a major security challenge.

• Other members (Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bangladesh) view China mainly as a development partner.

• Requires delicate diplomatic balance.

2. Lack of Institutionalisation

• CSC currently functions as an NSA-level mechanism.

• Lacks:

  • Permanent secretariat

  • Clear standard operating procedures (SOPs)

  • Operational coordination frameworks

• Without institutional depth → inconsistency in long-term cooperation.

3. Domestic Political Uncertainty

• Bangladesh’s political transitions may affect continuity in engagement.

• Maldives & Sri Lanka have shown past fluctuations in foreign policy alignment.

4. Fragmented IOR Security Architecture

• No single comprehensive Indian Ocean security institution exists.

• Multiple overlapping groups → IORA, BIMSTEC, QUAD, IONS, IFC-IOR.

• CSC must coordinate with larger Indo-Pacific frameworks.

Significance of CSC for India

• Strengthens India’s leadership in the subregional maritime security environment.

• Helps counter encirclement & influence by China.

• Enhances maritime domain awareness, joint exercises, intelligence sharing.

• Reinforces Neighbourhood First + SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Way Forward

1. Institutional Strengthening

• Establish a CSC Secretariat.

• Regular ministerial-level meetings.

• Joint working groups on: MDA, cyber, counter-terrorism, blue economy.

2. Balanced Approach to China

• Address India’s concerns without forcing choices on smaller neighbours.

• Promote sustainable, transparent development alternatives.

3. Deepening Operational Cooperation

• Joint patrols, naval exercises, coastal surveillance.

• Capacity building in: cyber defence, maritime law enforcement, port security.

4. Integrating Development & Security

• Promote blue economy initiatives.

• Disaster risk reduction (NDRF–coast guard coordination).

• Maritime connectivity & supply-chain resilience.

5. Enhancing Resilience of Member States

• Support political stability through development partnerships.

• Encourage policy continuity through institutional mechanisms.

Conclusion

The CSC represents a promising subregional model for cooperative security in the Indian Ocean.
Its future success depends on:

• managing divergent interests (especially around China),

• strengthening institutional foundations, and

• enhancing synergy between security and development objectives.
  With India at its core, CSC can evolve into a cornerstone for a stable and cohesive Indian Ocean architecture.

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