Context:

• The 7th National Security Advisers (NSA) meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was held on 20 November 2025 in New Delhi.

Key Points:

• Chair: India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval
• Venue: New Delhi, India
• Member Countries: India, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh

Participants and Delegates:

• Ibrahim Latheef: NSA, Maldives
• Rahul Rasgotra: NSA, Mauritius
• Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyakontha (Retd): Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka
• Dr. Khalil-Ur-Rehman: NSA, Bangladesh
• Badrul Shah Mohammad Idris: Deputy Director, National Security Council (Guest), Malaysia
• Ajit Doval (Chair): NSA, India
• Major General Michael Rosette: Chief of Defence Forces, Seychelles (Joined as a full member)
• New Member: Seychelles, which was earlier an Observer country, joined as a full member in this meeting.
• Guest Country: Malaysia participated for the first time as a Guest.
• Main Objective: The member states discussed strengthening cooperation to ensure security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Theme: Coordinated Security Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region
• Agreement to strengthen cooperation in five key security areas.
• Decision to enhance training, capacity building, and technological partnership.
• Reaffirmed joint commitment to regional security.
• Emphasis on addressing emerging threats in the Indian Ocean Region such as cyber-attacks, maritime piracy, and drug trafficking.

Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

• A key regional grouping to enhance maritime and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Established: In 2011 as a trilateral maritime security group by India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.
• Mauritius joined in 2022, while Bangladesh joined in 2024.
• The founding document was signed in August 2024 in Colombo (Sri Lanka).
• Member Countries: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh (Seychelles joined as a full member in 2025).
• Other Partners: Seychelles (full member), Malaysia (participated as Guest for the first time).

Five Key Pillars of Cooperation:

1. Maritime Security and Safety: Preventing maritime crimes, piracy, and illegal trafficking
2. Countering Terrorism and Radicalization: Anti-terror cooperation and information sharing
3. Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime: Preventing drug, human, and arms trafficking
4. Cybersecurity and Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Countering digital threats
5. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Support during natural disasters

Importance for India:

• SAGAR Policy: CSC aligns with India’s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region), emphasizing security and development for all in the IOR.
• Regional Leadership: The platform strengthens India’s security cooperation with neighboring countries and reinforces its role as a key security provider in the Indian Ocean.

Importance of the Indian Ocean for India

• Strategic Location: Extending from Africa to Australia, the Indian Ocean places India in a strategic position over major sea lines, including the Malacca and Hormuz Straits.
• Trade Routes: Nearly 95% of India’s trade (by volume) and 68% of trade (by value) passes through the Indian Ocean.
• Energy Security: India receives about 80% of its crude oil imports through the Indian Ocean routes.
• Mineral Resources: The region contributes 40% of the world’s offshore oil production and holds rich reserves of nickel, cobalt, and copper.
• Fisheries Sector: The Indian Ocean provides major fishing resources, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people in India.