Mentor’s Comment

This article breaks down the evolving relevance of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) for India and the wider Indian Ocean region in 2025. China’s growing presence in the region is reshaping the geopolitical environment. In this setting, the CSC becomes an important platform for India to strengthen maritime security cooperation.

Introduction

The CSC has emerged as a critical framework for regional security cooperation in the Indian Ocean. It initially focused on issues such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and human trafficking. Now it is attempting to institutionalise itself and broaden its mandate to address the increasingly complex geopolitical and maritime challenges in the region. India’s leadership in reviving and expanding the grouping has placed CSC at the centre of its Indian Ocean strategy.

How is the evolving Indian Ocean environment reshaping CSC’s relevance?

1. Strategic Shifts: The Indian Ocean region is witnessing significant changes in the broader Indo-Pacific, making cooperative security frameworks more urgent.
2. Economic Interdependence: Littoral states depend heavily on ocean-based economies; maritime disruptions create widespread developmental challenges.
3. Non-traditional Threats: Issues such as organised crime, cyberattacks, and trafficking continue to expand, requiring coordinated regional responses.

What has shaped the CSC’s institutional trajectory so far?

1. Initial Trilateral Framework: Established between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives; momentum slowed due to political transitions in Sri Lanka and Maldives.
2. Revival in 2020: India reinstated its engagement, establishing structured cooperation across four pillars, maritime security, counter-terrorism, trafficking, and cybersecurity.
3. Progressive Expansion: Mauritius joined as full member (2022); Bangladesh added in 2024; Malaysia joined as observer in 2025.
4. Growing Synergies: NSA-level coordination has strengthened common frameworks across member states.

Why does China’s growing presence create strategic dilemmas for CSC?

1. Contrasting Perceptions:
   1. India: Views China’s activities as a major security challenge.
   2. Other Members: Depend on China economically and see it as a developmental partner rather than a threat.
2. Need for Balance: India must carefully manage CSC’s agenda such that the grouping does not fracture over divergent China-related security views.
3. Anchoring India’s Priorities: CSC allows India to place maritime security and regional stability at the centre of cooperative action.

What institutional challenges does the CSC currently face?

1. Fragmented Frameworks: Lack of integrated institutional structures limits effective coordination.
2. Need for Policy Consistency: Member states’ domestic disturbances (e.g., in Bangladesh) can affect the group’s resilience.
3. Operational Limitations: Without an institutionalised Secretariat or joint mechanisms, coordination remains NSA-driven and episodic.

What opportunities does CSC expansion create for regional security?

1. Wider Membership: Growing membership allows for more inclusive maritime-security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
2. Enhanced Information-Sharing: Expanding partnerships help create common threat-perception frameworks.
3. Forward Momentum: Malaysia’s possible future membership indicates sustained interest in CSC’s work
4. Aligning Actionable Pathways: Collective policies on maritime issues can strengthen resilience across the region.

Conclusion

The CSC stands at a defining moment in 2025. Its expansion, renewed momentum, and India’s leadership provide a framework to address the growing complexity of maritime security in the Indian Ocean. However, institutional strengthening, policy coherence, and careful handling of China-related sensitivities will determine how successfully the CSC evolves into a reliable, long-term regional security architecture.

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