New Delhi

The Government has appointed Vice Admiral (Retd) G. Ashok Kumar as India’s first National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC). His appointment is being seen as part of India's strategy to improve maritime security in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

It is worth mentioning that 14 years ago, Lashkar-e-toiba (LeT) terrorists came from Karachi to Mumbai via sea route and unleashed multiple terror attacks on the financial capital of India.

The attack brough India’s maritime security under focus. From that time, India started making efforts to improve security of its coastline and maritime security. G Ashok Kumar will work under National security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Vice Admiral G. Ashok Kumar retired as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff in July last year. He has served in the Navy for more than 39 years. He will work closely with the office of NSA in the National Security Council Secretariat. The decision to create the post of NMSA was taken in 2021.

According to a report, NMSC will also ensure integrated policies and plans in the maritime sector, including the technology sector. He will act as an interface between military and civilian agencies.

The country has long felt that there were too many officials involved in maritime activities and security. These included the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Home and the Ministry of Shipping. There was a gap in coordination among the Navy, Coast Guard, Customs, intelligence agencies, port officials, state governments and even the Marine Police Force. They  all needed to work together. The country has a coastline of 7,516 km which includes several maritime and exclusive economic zones.

In addition, 90 percent of trade is done by sea. The Maritime Security Advisory Board was formed after the 26-11 attacks. The board noted the lack of coordination between various officials, including intelligence agencies. But it never took off due to lack of  political will and bureaucratic apathy.

In 2001, there was talk of reforming the national security system.

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