The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) recently marked a significant milestone with Bangladesh joining as its fifth member during the 8th Deputy National Security Advisor-level summit on July 10. This expansion underscores the CSC’s increasing relevance in the evolving security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. Revived in 2020, the CSC has evolved from its initial discussions among India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives to include Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Seychelles. A secretariat was established in Colombo in 2021, facilitating a more organized approach to regional security.
The CSC focuses on addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the Indian Ocean, a region becoming increasingly critical for geopolitical stability. The scope of the CSC has broadened to include five key pillars: maritime safety, counter-terrorism, combating trafficking, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance. This framework reflects growing regional cooperation among littoral states, transitioning from territorial security concerns to a more collaborative strategy centered on shared maritime security interests.
As the Indo-Pacific region’s geostrategic significance rises, it faces challenges such as piracy, terrorism, trafficking, and geopolitical competition, prompting Indian Ocean nations to pursue a robust maritime security architecture. While the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) exists, its effectiveness has been questioned due to its limited operations. Against this backdrop, the CSC represents a more flexible approach focused on immediate geographic issues, promoting stronger cooperation among member states.
From India’s perspective, Bangladesh’s induction is strategic. It aligns with India’s broader vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR), fostering a cooperative maritime environment essential for India’s influence in the Indian Ocean. The CSC also serves as a counterbalance to China’s increasing presence in the region, particularly as the China-Indian Ocean Forum emerges as a competitor to India’s leadership in maritime security.
The consolidation of the CSC has been accompanied by increased activity, including regular high-level meetings. In 2022, the CSC organized its first conferences addressing oceanography and coastal security, fostering partnerships in scientific research and joint expeditions. Future initiatives include enhancing cooperation on issues like terrorism, trafficking, and cybersecurity while promoting capacity-building among law enforcement and security officials.
However, challenges loom over the CSC’s effectiveness. Relations with China are complex, with member nations having varied ties, and India’s concerns about Chinese expansionism contrasting with others’ economic dependencies on China. Additionally, the domestic politics of member states could complicate cooperative efforts, as seen during the forum’s hiatus from 2014 to 2020.
Despite these challenges, the CSC has the potential to address critical non-traditional security issues like climate change impacts, piracy, and maritime terrorism, fostering a collaborative climate among members. The ongoing development of the CSC illustrates a shift towards viewing national security through a maritime lens, highlighting the importance of maritime cooperation in South Asia’s evolving security paradigm.
This nuanced evolution of the CSC, as articulated by Sayantan Haldar and Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy from the Observer Research Foundation, signifies a proactive approach to regional security, reflecting the growing interconnectivity and the necessity for collaboration among South Asian nations.
