Seychelles Joins Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

• 24 Nov 2025

Source: TH

Why in News? 

The 7th National Security Adviser (NSA) - level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was held in New Delhi, where Seychelles was inducted as the 6th full member, marking a significant expansion of the grouping and strengthening its role in safeguarding the Indian Ocean Region.

What are the Key Facts About the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)?

• About: CSC is a regional security grouping comprising India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles. 
  • It aims to strengthen regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges shared by member states. 
  • The grouping brings together National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Deputy NSAs for coordinated security cooperation
• Origin and Evolution: It began in 2011 as the Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation between India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
  • Activity stalled after 2014 due to India–Maldives tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
  • Revived and rebranded as the CSC in 2020. Membership expanded with Mauritius (2022), Bangladesh (2024) and Seychelles (2025).
• Objective: Promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to the Member States.
• Pillars of Cooperation: 
  • Maritime safety and security
  • Countering terrorism and radicalisation
  • Combating trafficking and transnational organised crime
  • Cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure
  • Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
• Institutional Structure: It has a permanent secretariat in Colombo, providing continuity and coordination for the grouping.
  • CSC operates through meetings of NSAs and Deputy NSAs of the member countries.
• Significance for India: The CSC is significant for strengthening India’s strategic influence in the Indian Ocean Region by fostering coordinated maritime security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and cyber resilience among six like-minded coastal states.
  • By institutionalising regular NSA-level dialogue, the CSC reinforces India’s neighbourhood-first and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and contributes to a more stable, secure, and rules-based regional order.

Seychelles

• Seychelles is a sovereign island nation and archipelagic state of 155 islands, located in the western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and off the east coast of mainland Africa.
  • The islands of Seychelles are situated on the Mascarene Plateau, an extensive submarine plateau in the Indian Ocean.
• It is Africa’s smallest and least populated country. 
• Capital: Victoria (on Mahé Island).
• Strategic Importance for India:  It sits along crucial maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean and plays a key role in anti-piracy operations, maritime security, and the Blue Economy.
  •  Seychelles is a vital partner in India’s SAGAR  vision and Indian Ocean diplomacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)?
CSC is a regional security grouping of Indian Ocean states—India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles—focused on cooperative responses to maritime and transnational security challenges.

2. Why is Seychelles’ membership important for CSC?
Seychelles’ strategic location and large EEZ strengthen CSC’s western IOR footprint, enhancing maritime surveillance, anti-piracy cooperation and Blue Economy partnerships under India’s SAGAR initiative.

3. What are the five pillars of cooperation under CSC?
CSC focuses on maritime safety & security, counter-terrorism & radicalisation, combating trafficking & transnational organised crime, cybersecurity & protection of critical infrastructure, and humanitarian assistance & disaster relief (HADR).

4. How does CSC support India’s strategic objectives in the IOR?
By institutionalising NSA-level dialogue and operational cooperation, CSC reinforces India’s role as a regional security provider, counters external influence, and promotes a rules-based maritime order.