Following the 26/11 terrorist attack, India has been consistently trying to augment the nation’s maritime security. In regard to this, the government has appointed Vice Admiral (retd) G Ashok Kumar as the nation’s first national maritime security coordinator with the view of strengthening the country’s maritime security.

Overview:

This move has been made with the aim of ensuring cohesion among the various defense stakeholders of the nation with the primary aim of securing the country’s interest.

Last year, the security cabinet committee had given its approval for the creation of the said post. Kumar’s appointment, who retired in the month of July last year, has been seen as a move made by the government to enhance the nation’s maritime security keeping in mind the 26/11 terrorist attack that the terrorists commenced via the sea route.

Since the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, the government has authorized a plethora of security measures to ensure that a repeat of such attacks does not occur again.

Working of the National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC)

The NMSC works in tandem with the National Security Council which is headed by Ajit Doval (NSA). The NMSC is tasked with coordinating with the Coast Guard, the Indian Navy, and various other security agencies who are involved in providing maritime and coastal security, in 13 Union Territories and coastal states of the country.

About Vice Admiral (retd) G Ashok Kumar

He served as the nation’s 35^th Navy Vice Chief. He assumed this position in the year 2019 and served till July 2021.