1. CONTEXT (Why in News?)
• India hosted the 7th National Security Adviser–level summit of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) on 20 November 2025.
2. ARTICLE SUMMARY
A. CSC as a Key Security Platform
• CSC aims to be a critical forum for security cooperation in the Indian Ocean — maritime security, counter-terrorism, trafficking, cyber security.
B. Evolution of the Group
• Started as a trilateral (India–Sri Lanka–Maldives) in 2011.
• Revived in 2020 with a broader mandate.
Membership expanded:
• Mauritius joined as full member in 2022.
• Bangladesh admitted in 2024.
• Seychelles acceded as full member in 2025 (this summit).
• Malaysia participated as a guest at this summit.
C. Development & Maritime Security Link
• Indian Ocean countries depend heavily on oceans for economic progress → development priorities deeply tied to maritime security.
D. China Factor
• India views Chinese presence as a security challenge.
• Other CSC members see China more as a development partner, creating divergence within the group.
• India must strike a balance in steering CSC cooperation.
E. Need for Institutionalisation
• CSC currently operates at NSA-level; requires a stronger institutional framework for long-term coherence.
• Domestic uncertainties in some members (e.g., Bangladesh) may affect group resilience.
