A template for security cooperation in the Indian Ocean
Context
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India hosted the 7th National Security Advisor (NSA)-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) on 20 November 2025.
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Participants: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh; Seychelles as new full member; Malaysia as guest.
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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
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CSC origins:
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Started in 2011 as a trilateral security initiative between India–Sri Lanka–Maldives.
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Became inactive due to political transitions and divergent priorities.
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Revived in 2020 with a broadened mandate: maritime security, counter-terrorism, trafficking, organised crime, cybersecurity.
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Membership expansion:
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Mauritius → full member (2022)
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Bangladesh → full member (2024)
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Seychelles → full member (2025)
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Malaysia → guest participant (2025)
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Importance of the Indian Ocean Security Landscape
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Indian Ocean = vital trade and energy routes, 80% of global seaborne oil passes through.
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Region witnessing new geopolitical shifts: Indo-Pacific strategies, China’s maritime rise, naval competition.
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Maritime security = tied with developmental needs (fisheries, tourism, blue economy).
Key Takeaways from the 2025 CSC Summit
1. Expansion & Regional Commitment
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Seychelles joined as a full member → signals regional willingness to institutionalise security cooperation.
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Malaysia’s participation indicates potential for future inclusion → gradual enlargement of the security architecture.
2. India’s Strategic Interests
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India seeks stronger engagement with key maritime neighbours amid:
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China’s growing presence (“string of pearls”, dual-use ports).
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Fragmented IOR security architecture.
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3. Centrality of Non-Traditional Security
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CSC’s core areas:
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Maritime safety & security
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Counter-terrorism
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Human trafficking & drug trafficking
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Organised crime
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Cybersecurity
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Maritime domain awareness (MDA)
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4. Coupling of Security & Development
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For small Indian Ocean littorals:
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Maritime security = tied to livelihoods, fisheries, blue economy, shipping, tourism.
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Economic vulnerabilities drive dependence on external partners (including China).
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Key Challenges for CSC
1. Divergence on the “China Question”
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India views China’s IOR presence as a major security challenge.
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Other members (Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bangladesh) view China mainly as a development partner.
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Requires delicate diplomatic balance.
2. Lack of Institutionalisation
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CSC currently functions as an NSA-level mechanism.
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Lacks:
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Permanent secretariat
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Clear standard operating procedures (SOPs)
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Operational coordination frameworks
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Without institutional depth → inconsistency in long-term cooperation.
3. Domestic Political Uncertainty
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Bangladesh’s political transitions may affect continuity in engagement.
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Maldives & Sri Lanka have shown past fluctuations in foreign policy alignment.
4. Fragmented IOR Security Architecture
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No single comprehensive Indian Ocean security institution exists.
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Multiple overlapping groups → IORA, BIMSTEC, QUAD, IONS, IFC-IOR.
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CSC must coordinate with larger Indo-Pacific frameworks.
Significance of CSC for India
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Strengthens India’s leadership in the subregional maritime security environment.
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Helps counter encirclement & influence by China.
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Enhances maritime domain awareness, joint exercises, intelligence sharing.
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Reinforces Neighbourhood First + SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Way Forward
1. Institutional Strengthening
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Establish a CSC Secretariat.
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Regular ministerial-level meetings.
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Joint working groups on: MDA, cyber, counter-terrorism, blue economy.
2. Balanced Approach to China
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Address India’s concerns without forcing choices on smaller neighbours.
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Promote sustainable, transparent development alternatives.
3. Deepening Operational Cooperation
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Joint patrols, naval exercises, coastal surveillance.
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Capacity building in: cyber defence, maritime law enforcement, port security.
4. Integrating Development & Security
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Promote blue economy initiatives.
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Disaster risk reduction (NDRF–coast guard coordination).
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Maritime connectivity & supply-chain resilience.
5. Enhancing Resilience of Member States
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Support political stability through development partnerships.
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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:
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managing divergent interests (especially around China),
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strengthening institutional foundations, and
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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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