Seychelles Joins Colombo Security Conclave: Enhancing Regional Security Dynamics

Seychelles Joins the Colombo Security Conclave

In a significant move for regional security cooperation within the Indian Ocean, Seychelles has now become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). This announcement was made during the 7th National Security Adviser (NSA)-level meeting held in New Delhi on November 20, 2025, chaired by India’s NSA, Ajit Doval. The Conclave, which includes India, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, continues to expand its influence as a collaborative platform focused on various security dimensions.

About the Colombo Security Conclave

The Colombo Security Conclave is a multilateral regional group focused on enhancing cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It operates on five core pillars of strategic collaboration:

• 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)

Initially conceptualized to address common security challenges, the Conclave has evolved into a critical mechanism for regional trust-building, joint exercises, and information-sharing.

Highlights of the 7th NSA-Level Meeting

The 2025 edition of the Conclave gathered high-level security officials from all member states. Representing the Maldives was NSA Ibrahim Latheef, Mauritius by NSA Rahul Rasgotra, Sri Lanka by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha, Bangladesh by NSA Khalil-ur-Rehman, and Seychelles by Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette. For the first time, Malaysia joined the meeting as a Guest Country, highlighting the growing interest in the Conclave’s significance in Indo-Pacific security affairs.

Stability in the Indian Ocean was emphasized by NSA Ajit Doval, identifying it as a shared strategic heritage. He highlighted the importance of regional coordination to ensure its stability, safety, and security.

Significance of Seychelles’ Membership

The inclusion of Seychelles is strategically significant due to several factors:

• Geostrategic Location: As a crucial island nation in the western Indian Ocean, Seychelles enhances the geographic coverage of the CSC’s security network.
• Maritime Awareness: Its involvement will improve maritime domain awareness and strengthen efforts against piracy and smuggling.
• Diplomatic Signal: This membership deepens India’s bilateral ties with Seychelles and reaffirms New Delhi’s role as a regional security provider.
• Institutional Expansion: The expansion of the CSC reflects its growing relevance and maturity in addressing cross-border challenges.

With the inclusion of Seychelles, the Colombo Security Conclave is poised to play an increasingly important role in ensuring regional security and fostering collaboration among member states in the Indian Ocean Region.