Strengthening Maritime Security Cooperation through the 7th National Security Advisor-level Colombo Security Conclave
India recently hosted the 7th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), which has evolved from a trilateral group (India, Sri Lanka, Maldives) to include Mauritius and Bangladesh as full members. The CSC focuses on five pillars: maritime safety and security, countering terrorism, trafficking, cyber security, and humanitarian assistance. The article emphasizes the need for a singular institutional framework to address fragmented maritime architecture. A key challenge remains the varying perceptions of China's presence in the Indian Ocean among member states and the internal political uncertainties in countries like Bangladesh.
Key Points
- The CSC has expanded to include Mauritius (2022) and Bangladesh (2024) as full members, with Seychelles and Malaysia as observers.
- The conclave serves as a platform for cooperation on non-traditional security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- India seeks to balance its security priorities regarding China's presence with the developmental needs of other littoral states.
- Institutionalizing the CSC with a permanent framework is seen as essential for long-term regional stability and policy alignment.
Exam Facts
- 7th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave was held on November 20, 2025.
- Member countries: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Bangladesh.
- The CSC was originally initiated as a trilateral grouping in 2011.
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