Colombo Security Conclave CSC Expands With Bangladeshs Inclusion

The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), a maritime security partnership, has recently expanded its membership to include Bangladesh. Initially established in 2011 as a trilateral initiative involving India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, the CSC later welcomed Mauritius. Rebranded as the CSC in 2020, the group now includes Bangladesh as its fifth member, with Seychelles holding observer status. This expansion highlights the increasing significance of regional cooperation in addressing maritime security concerns.

The Expanding Reach of the Colombo Security Conclave: A New Era of Maritime Cooperation

The inclusion of Bangladesh in the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) marks a significant development in the evolving landscape of maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. This move, occurring in 2025, underscores a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of regional security challenges and the necessity of collaborative efforts to address them. The CSC, originally conceived as a trilateral initiative among India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, has grown to encompass Mauritius, and now, Bangladesh, with Seychelles maintaining an observer status. This expansion reflects a broader strategic intent to fortify regional stability, counter emerging threats, and promote shared interests in the maritime domain.

The genesis of the CSC can be traced back to 2011, when India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives initiated a cooperative framework to address common maritime security concerns. The initial focus was on coordinating efforts to combat piracy, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes. The strategic rationale behind this initiative was clear: the Indian Ocean region is a critical artery for global trade and a vital sphere of influence for India. The presence of numerous small island nations, often vulnerable to external pressures and maritime threats, further emphasized the need for a coordinated approach.

The decision to expand the CSC to include Mauritius in a later phase reflected the desire to broaden the geographical scope of the initiative and incorporate a strategically important island nation. Mauritius, like the Maldives and Seychelles, is highly dependent on maritime trade and is therefore vulnerable to disruptions in the sea lanes. Furthermore, Mauritius’s location near the African continent allows for greater reach in coordinating maritime security efforts with countries in the Western Indian Ocean.

The rebranding of the trilateral framework into the Colombo Security Conclave in 2020 was accompanied by a renewed focus on comprehensive maritime security. This shift recognized the multifaceted nature of maritime threats, which extend beyond traditional concerns like piracy to include terrorism, illegal fishing, environmental degradation, and cyber security. The CSC’s evolution mirrors the changing dynamics of the Indian Ocean region and the increasing complexity of its security environment.

The recent inclusion of Bangladesh into the CSC signifies a further expansion of the conclave’s reach and influence. Bangladesh, situated in the Bay of Bengal, is a critical link between South Asia and Southeast Asia. Its strategic location and rapidly growing economy make it a crucial player in the region's security architecture. Bangladesh faces its own share of maritime security challenges, including the need to protect its coastal waters from illegal activities, manage its maritime boundaries, and safeguard its economic interests.

The expansion of the CSC is not merely a symbolic gesture; it represents a pragmatic step towards enhancing regional security capabilities. The CSC serves as a platform for member states to share information, coordinate patrols, conduct joint exercises, and build capacity. This collaboration is crucial for addressing a range of maritime threats, including:

• Piracy and Armed Robbery: Despite efforts by international organizations and regional navies, piracy remains a persistent threat in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the waters off the coast of Somalia. The CSC provides a framework for member states to share intelligence, coordinate patrols, and conduct joint operations to deter and combat piracy.
• Terrorism: The Indian Ocean region has been identified as a potential area for terrorist activity. The CSC facilitates the exchange of information and the coordination of efforts to counter terrorism and prevent attacks on maritime targets.
• Drug Trafficking: The Indian Ocean is a major transit route for illicit drugs. The CSC enables member states to work together to disrupt drug trafficking networks and seize illegal shipments.
• Illegal Fishing: Overfishing and other illegal fishing practices pose a threat to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The CSC promotes cooperation in monitoring and enforcing fishing regulations.
• Environmental Degradation: Climate change, pollution, and other environmental threats pose significant risks to the Indian Ocean. The CSC provides a platform for member states to coordinate efforts to address environmental challenges.

The CSC's success depends on several factors, including the commitment of its member states, the effectiveness of its information-sharing mechanisms, and the ability to adapt to changing threats. The conclave’s operations are largely driven by the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and consensus. This approach allows for a degree of flexibility and avoids the imposition of rigid structures. The framework prioritizes building trust and confidence among member states.

India's role in the CSC is particularly significant. As a founding member and a major maritime power, India has been instrumental in driving the conclave’s agenda and providing support to its member states. India's underlying interests are multifaceted: maintaining its influence in the Indian Ocean, countering the increasing influence of China, and ensuring the safety of its maritime trade routes. India has invested in the CSC by providing training, resources, and expertise to member states, and by participating in joint exercises.

Sri Lanka, as the host country for the CSC (originally), also plays a critical role. Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a key partner in regional security cooperation. The country is keen on promoting regional stability, combating transnational crime, and attracting investment. Sri Lanka has hosted meetings, facilitated information sharing, and provided support to the CSC.

Bangladesh's inclusion in the CSC signifies a new chapter in the conclave's history. Bangladesh's involvement strengthens the CSC's reach and enhances its ability to address maritime security challenges in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh is committed to securing its maritime borders, combatting illegal activities, and benefiting from capacity building initiatives. Bangladesh will likely participate in joint exercises and information sharing, contributing to a more secure and stable Indian Ocean region.

The evolution of the CSC is also intertwined with broader geopolitical dynamics. The Indian Ocean region is witnessing increasing strategic competition, with major powers vying for influence. The rise of China as a maritime power has altered the balance of power in the region, prompting India and other regional actors to seek ways to safeguard their interests. The CSC can be seen as a mechanism for promoting regional cooperation and countering the expansion of external influence.

The CSC operates within a complex web of international law and norms. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the legal framework for maritime activities, including navigation, resource management, and environmental protection. The CSC's activities are guided by the principles of UNCLOS, as well as other relevant international agreements.

The CSC also draws upon historical precedents of regional cooperation. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its associated forums provide a model for promoting dialogue, cooperation, and confidence-building measures in the maritime domain. The CSC, like ASEAN, seeks to build trust and confidence among its member states through regular consultations, joint exercises, and information sharing.

The CSC's activities are not without limitations. The conclave's enforcement capabilities are limited, and it relies primarily on voluntary cooperation. The success of the CSC depends on the willingness of its member states to share information, coordinate patrols, and commit resources to the collective effort. Moreover, the CSC must adapt to changing security threats, including cyber security and climate change-related challenges.

Looking ahead, the CSC is likely to expand further, with potential for more joint exercises, information sharing, and capacity-building initiatives. The conclave may also address new security threats, such as cyber security and the security implications of climate change. The CSC’s ability to adapt to new challenges and to remain relevant in a rapidly changing security environment will determine its long-term success.

The expansion of the Colombo Security Conclave, particularly with the addition of Bangladesh, is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of regional cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges. The CSC’s evolution reflects the changing dynamics of the Indian Ocean region and the increasing complexity of its security environment. As the CSC continues to develop, it will play an increasingly important role in promoting regional stability, countering transnational crime, and safeguarding the interests of its member states. The CSC's continued success will depend on its ability to adapt to evolving threats and to foster a spirit of cooperation and trust among its members.