Seychelles becomes the sixth full member of the Colombo Security Conclave in 2025, enhancing maritime security and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
Seychelles Becomes a Full Member of the Colombo Security Conclave
What Happened
On 20 November 2025, Seychelles was formally inducted as the sixth full member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) at the 7th NSA‑level meeting held in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by India’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Ajit Doval.
Prior to this, Seychelles had observer status. During the same meeting, Malaysia participated for the first time as a guest country.
The Role of the Colombo Security Conclave
The Colombo Security Conclave is a regional security body in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), set up to address shared security threats.
Its work is structured around five strategic pillars:
- Maritime Safety and Security
- Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation
- Combating Transnational Organised Crime and Trafficking
- Cybersecurity and Protection of Critical Infrastructure
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
At the New Delhi meeting, senior security representatives from Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and now Seychelles attended.
Seychelles was represented by its Chief of Defence Forces, Major General Michael Rosette.
Why Seychelles’ Entry Matters Strategically
Seychelles joining as a full member is strategically significant for multiple reasons:
- Geographic Importance: Being an island nation in the western Indian Ocean, Seychelles expands the Conclave’s coverage and influence in a critical maritime zone.
- Maritime Domain Awareness: Its inclusion strengthens maritime surveillance capabilities, which can help combat piracy, smuggling, and other illegal maritime activities.
- Diplomatic and Strategic Signal: This move deepens bilateral ties between India and Seychelles, reinforcing India’s role as a security provider in the region.
- Institutional Growth: The expansion to six full members reflects the increasing maturity and relevance of the CSC as a regional security architecture.
Key Decisions at the 7th NSA‑Level Meeting
- Regular review and deepening of cooperation under the five core pillars.
- Recognition of Seychelles as a full member, which increases CSC’s strategic reach.
- Malaysia’s first participation as a guest country, signaling growing external interest in the conclave.
- Reaffirmation by NSA Ajit Doval that the Indian Ocean is a “shared strategic heritage,” emphasizing collective responsibility for the region’s stability.
Why This News Is Important
Strengthening Regional Security Architecture
Seychelles’ elevation to full membership in the Colombo Security Conclave significantly bolsters the regional security framework in the Indian Ocean. This not only broadens the geographic footprint of the conclave but also enhances its ability to monitor and respond to maritime threats more effectively. For aspirants preparing for civil services or defence exams, this reflects how India-led initiatives are shaping regional security dynamics.
Strategic Implication for India
By bringing Seychelles fully into the fold, India cements its role as a security provider in the strategic IOR. This move strengthens New Delhi’s influence among island nations and helps counterbalance other major powers’ presence in the region. For exams like UPSC or CDS, understanding such strategies underlines India’s maritime diplomacy and its security doctrine (like SAGAR).
Maritime Cooperation and Threat Mitigation
The Conclave’s five pillars—especially maritime security, counter-terrorism, and transnational crime—are crucial in today’s threat landscape. Seychelles’ inclusion enhances surveillance and joint response capabilities, which could be critical in countering piracy, trafficking, and radicalization. These are key topics in international relations or security-related exam papers.
Historical Context
Origins of the Colombo Security Conclave
The Colombo Security Conclave has its roots in regional efforts to institutionalize partnerships around maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Over time, member states have seen common threats — such as piracy, terrorism, and trafficking — that transcend national borders.
Evolution of Membership
- Initially, CSC included India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
- Mauritius joined later, broadening the regional scope.
- Bangladesh became a full member before Seychelles, signaling the conclave’s gradual institutionalization.
- Now, in 2025, Seychelles is the sixth member, marking another milestone in expansion.
Strategic Growth and Institutional Maturity
What began as a modest regional security grouping has evolved into an increasingly formalized architecture for cooperation. The Conclave now incorporates five strategic pillars that address not just traditional maritime challenges, but also modern issues like cyber security and disaster relief.
India’s leadership in hosting the NSA-level meetings and pushing for institutionalization has been central to this evolution.
Key Takeaways from “Seychelles Joins Colombo Security Conclave”
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Seychelles has become the sixth full member of the Colombo Security Conclave as of November 20, 2025. |
| 2 | The decision was made during the 7th NSA-level meeting, chaired by India’s NSA Ajit Doval. |
| 3 | The CSC operates around five pillars: maritime security, counter-terrorism, organized crime, cyber‑security, and humanitarian assistance. |
| 4 | Seychelles’ strategic location helps strengthen maritime domain awareness and regional cooperation in anti-piracy, smuggling, and security operations. |
| 5 | Malaysia participated for the first time as a guest country, showing growing external interest in the CSC. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)?
The CSC is a regional security organization in the Indian Ocean Region aimed at addressing shared security threats, including maritime safety, terrorism, organized crime, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance.
2. When did Seychelles become a full member of the CSC?
Seychelles became the sixth full member on 20 November 2025 during the 7th NSA-level meeting in New Delhi.
3. Who chaired the 7th NSA-level meeting of the CSC?
The meeting was chaired by India’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Ajit Doval.
4. Which countries are full members of the CSC?
India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and now Seychelles. Malaysia participated as a guest country.
5. What are the five strategic pillars of the CSC?
- Maritime Safety and Security
- Counter-Terrorism and Radicalization
- Combating Transnational Organized Crime and Trafficking
- Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
6. Why is Seychelles’ membership strategically important?
Seychelles’ location in the western Indian Ocean enhances maritime domain awareness, anti-piracy measures, and regional security cooperation.
7. What role does India play in the CSC?
India provides leadership by hosting NSA-level meetings, coordinating security cooperation, and strengthening maritime stability in the Indian Ocean.
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