Seychelles Becomes New Member of Colombo Security Conclave

In a key development for regional security cooperation in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles has officially joined the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) as a full member. The announcement came during the 7th National Security Adviser (NSA)-level meeting held in New Delhi on 20 November 2025, under the chairmanship of India’s NSA Ajit Doval. The Conclave, which already includes India, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh as members, continues to expand its influence as a platform for multilateral collaboration across various dimensions of security.

About the Colombo Security Conclave

The Colombo Security Conclave is a multilateral regional grouping established to enhance cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Its agenda is built around 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)

Originally conceptualized to address common security challenges in the region, the Conclave has become a vital mechanism for regional trust-building, joint exercises, and information-sharing.

Highlights of the 7th NSA-Level Meeting

The 2025 edition of the Conclave brought together high-level security officials from all member states,

• Maldives was represented by 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
• Seychelles by Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette
• Malaysia also joined the meeting as a Guest Country for the first time, marking growing interest in the Conclave’s role in Indo-Pacific security affairs.

NSA Ajit Doval reiterated that the Indian Ocean is a shared strategic heritage, and emphasized the importance of regional coordination to ensure its stability, safety, and security.

Significance of Seychelles’ Membership

The inclusion of Seychelles holds strategic importance,

• Geostrategic Location: As a key island nation in the western Indian Ocean, Seychelles strengthens the geographic coverage of CSC’s security net.
• Maritime Awareness: Its participation will enhance maritime domain awareness and bolster anti-piracy and smuggling efforts.
• Diplomatic Signal: The membership deepens India’s bilateral ties with Seychelles and reaffirms New Delhi’s role as a regional security provider.
• Institutional Expansion: CSC’s expansion reflects its growing relevance and institutional maturity in addressing cross-border challenges.

Static Facts

• Event: 7th NSA-level meeting of Colombo Security Conclave
• Date: 20 November 2025
• Venue: New Delhi, India
• New Member: Seychelles
• Guest Country: Malaysia
• Chairperson: Ajit Doval, NSA of India
• Other Member Countries: India, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
• Pillars of Cooperation: Maritime Safety, Counter-Terrorism, Transnational Crime