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Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) – 7th NSA-Level Meeting (New Delhi)

21 Nov 2025 GS 2 International Relations
Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) – 7th NSA-Level Meeting (New Delhi) Click to view full image

Background

  • CSC is a regional security grouping involving India, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, with Bangladesh, Seychelles, and Malaysia as participants/observer.

  • Aim: Enhance regional security cooperation, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

  • Held in New Delhi; chaired by India’s NSA Ajit Doval

Seychelles Becomes 6th Member

Key Update

  • Seychelles has been admitted as the 6th full member of the CSC.

  • Decision taken at the 7th NSA-level meeting held in New Delhi.

  • Malaysia participated as a guest for the first time.

Full Members (6):

  1. India

  2. Maldives

  3. Mauritius

  4. Sri Lanka

  5. Bangladesh (recently upgraded from observer)

  6. Seychelles (new entrant)

Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

What is the CSC?

  • A regional security grouping in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

  • Current full members (6):
    India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Seychelles (latest to join – 2024).

  • Malaysia sometimes participates as a guest.

  • Institutional platform for cooperation among NSAs (National Security Advisors).

Core Objectives - CSC’s 5 Security Pillars

To promote regional peace and security through cooperation on transnational security threats, including:

  1. Maritime safety and security

  2. Counter-terrorism

  3. Cybersecurity & protection of critical infrastructure

  4. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

  5. Combating trafficking, organised crime, and narcotics

CSC focuses heavily on Indian Ocean maritime security architecture.

Origin & Evolution

Trilateral Maritime Cooperation (2011–2014)

  • Started as the Trilateral for Maritime Security Cooperation in 2011 between:
    India – Maldives – Sri Lanka

  • Format: Meetings of NSAs/Deputy NSAs.

  • Aim: Maritime domain awareness, anti-piracy, EEZ security.

  • Collaboration stopped after 2014 due to political tensions between India and Maldives.

Revival and Rebranding (2020 onwards)

  • Revived and renamed as Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in 2020.

  • Mauritius joined in 2020 as the 4th member.

  • Bangladesh joined later, becoming the 5th member.

  • Seychelles joined in 2025, becoming the 6th full member.

Why CSC Matters for India

  • Strengthens India’s security leadership in the IOR.

  • Acts as a counterweight to China’s growing maritime influence (e.g., PLA Navy expansion, Hambantota, Gwadar).

  • Enhances cooperation with island nations crucial for India’s maritime strategy (SAGAR doctrine).

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q. With reference to the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), consider the following statements:

  1. Seychelles became a full member of CSC for the first time at the 7th NSA-level meeting.

  2. Bangladesh and Malaysia are both permanent members of the Colombo Security Conclave.

  3. The CSC is primarily a maritime security grouping in the Indian Ocean Region.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct.
    Seychelles was admitted as a full member for the first time during the 7th NSA-level CSC meeting in New Delhi.

  • Statement 2: Incorrect.
    Bangladesh is a full member, but Malaysia is only a guest participant, not a member.

  • Statement 3: Correct.
    CSC is a maritime-focused security grouping in the Indian Ocean Region, dealing with maritime safety, counterterrorism, cyber security, etc.

Q. Consider the following countries:

  1. India

  2. Sri Lanka

  3. Maldives

  4. Mauritius

  5. Seychelles

  6. Bangladesh

How many of the above are full members of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)?

(a) Three
(b) Four
(c) Five
(d) Six

Answer: (d) Six

Explanation:

The six full members after Seychelles' induction are:

  1. India

  2. Sri Lanka

  3. Maldives

  4. Mauritius

  5. Bangladesh

  6. Seychelles

Thus, all six listed countries are full members.

Q. Which of the following is/are focus areas/pillars of cooperation under the Colombo Security Conclave?

  1. Maritime safety and security

  2. Counter-terrorism

  3. Cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure

  4. Space security and satellite launch cooperation

Select the correct answer:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

CSC’s identified pillars include:

  • Maritime Safety and Security

  • Counter Terrorism

  • Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure Protection

  • Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR)

  • Trafficking & Organised Crime

Space security is NOT part of CSC's pillars.



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