A template for security cooperation in the Indian Ocean, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• The 7th National Security Advisor-level summit of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was hosted by India on November 20, 2025.
• Member countries include India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Bangladesh.
• Seychelles joined as a full member in 2025.
• The CSC aims to promote security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, focusing on non-traditional maritime security issues.

Detailed Insights:

• The CSC was initiated in 2011 as a trilateral grouping between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, but it lost momentum due to political transitions and differing priorities.
• The group reconvened in 2020 to address maritime security, counter-terrorism, trafficking, organized crime, and cybersecurity.
• Maritime security challenges are intertwined with the developmental priorities of Indian Ocean littoral states, which depend on the oceans for economic progress.
• India views the CSC as a way to deepen engagement with maritime neighbors amidst growing Chinese influence, while other members may not see China as a major security challenge.
• The inclusion of Malaysia as a guest participant in the summit may indicate further expansion of the group.
• To ensure the CSC's resilience, efforts must focus on strengthening the institutional framework and fostering cohesion among member countries, especially given domestic uncertainties in some member states.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Maritime Security: Protection of maritime resources, trade routes, and coastal areas from threats.
• Non-Traditional Security: Security challenges beyond military threats, including piracy, trafficking, and environmental issues.
• Regional Cooperation: Collaboration between countries in a specific geographic area to address shared challenges.