Colombo Security Conclave | 10 Feb 2026

Source: IE 

At the India–Seychelles bilateral meeting, India highlighted the strategic significance of Seychelles joining the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), describing it as a key expansion of India’s regional maritime security architecture. 

• About: The CSC is a regional security grouping of Indian Ocean nations that focuses on addressing common security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 
  • In 2011, it began as a Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation mechanism between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. 
  • The group became dormant after 2014 due to strained relations between India and the Maldives. It was revived and rebranded as the Colombo Security Conclave in 2020. 
  • Membership expanded with Mauritius (2022), Bangladesh (2024) and Seychelles (2025). 
• Secretariat: Permanent Secretariat is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The grouping brings together National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Deputy NSAs of member countries for coordinated security cooperation 
• Five Pillars of Cooperation:  
  • Maritime Safety and Security (Core focus). 
  • Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation. 
  • Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime. 
  • Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure. 
  • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). 
• Strategic Significance for India: The CSC is an operational manifestation of India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the new MAHASAGAR initiative. 
  • It cements India’s role as the "first responder" and net security provider in the IOR, reducing the reliance of smaller island nations on extra-regional powers (like China). 
  • Unlike the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) which is a broad dialogue forum, the CSC is more security-focused and operational.