Introduction

Seychelles Joins Colombo Security Conclave: Seychelles has officially become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) during the 7th NSA-level meeting held in New Delhi on 20 November 2025 under the chairmanship of India’s NSA Ajit Doval.
This development strengthens regional cooperation aimed at safeguarding the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Static GK fact: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world, crucial for global trade and maritime security.

About Colombo Security Conclave

The CSC is a multilateral grouping focused on the security of the Indian Ocean littorals. It was created to enhance cooperation against common maritime and security threats.

Its agenda is based on five core pillars:

• Maritime safety and security
• Counter-terrorism and radicalisation
• Transnational organised crime and trafficking
• Cyber security and critical infrastructure protection
• Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)

Static GK Tip: The term “Littoral states” refers to countries having a coastline along a sea or ocean.

CSC promotes information-sharing, joint military training, and coordinated response to emerging security challenges.

Key Highlights of the 7th NSA Meeting

Senior security representatives from all member nations participated:

• Maldives: NSA Ibrahim Latheef
• Mauritius: NSA Rahul Rasgotra
• Sri Lanka: Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha
• Bangladesh: NSA Khalil-ur-Rehman
• Seychelles: Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette

Malaysia attended as a Guest Country for the first time, indicating growing interest in CSC’s role in the Indo-Pacific region.

Why Seychelles’ Membership Matters

Strategic Location

Seychelles lies in the western Indian Ocean, giving CSC a stronger presence across important maritime trade routes.
It boosts surveillance and maritime domain awareness, especially against piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling.

Strengthening India’s Role

The move deepens India–Seychelles defence relations, reinforcing India’s status as a primary security provider in the IOR.
It supports India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

Collaborative Security Network

The expansion shows CSC’s institutional growth and credibility among Indian Ocean nations.
Smaller island nations benefit from capacity-building, technology support and integrated response mechanisms.

Static GK fact: Seychelles is made up of 115 islands, with Victoria as its capital city.

Broader Outcome

The inclusion of Seychelles enhances regional connectivity, multilateral defence cooperation, and stability in global sea lanes.
CSC is evolving into a major Indo-Pacific security mechanism, complementing other maritime security frameworks.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Seychelles Joins Colombo Security Conclave: