New Delhi, India (CU)_ In a major attempt, the government of India has designated Vice Admiral (retd) G Ashok Kumar as the first national maritime security coordinator of India, with the responsibility of ensuring cohesiveness among several important players with the overarching goal of strengthening the maritime security of the nation. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the formation of the post at the end of 2021.
G Ashok Kumar’s designation, who is a former Navy vice chief, is viewed as one of the ongoing efforts of India to improve maritime security after the terrific 26/11 Mumbai terror assault 14 years ago, where a squad of sea-borne terrorists attacked at the center of the country’s financial capital. According to sources close to the matter, the government has selected its first national maritime security coordinator of the nation (NMSC).
The NMSC collaborates with the National Security Council Secretariat, which is led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. According to the sources, the NMSC will coordinate between the Indian Navy, the Coast Guard, security agencies employed in coastal and maritime security, and 13 coastal states and Union Territories. Vice Admiral Kumar announced his retirement from the Navy in July 2021.
In light of various security threats, the government has been promoting collaboration among all marine stakeholders in order to strengthen India’s maritime security and surveillance capabilities. The government has implemented a series of security measures in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror assault, including layered marine monitoring to improve coastal and maritime security. India has a 7,500-kilometer-long coast area.
The 9/11 Mumbai incident took place in 2008. Ten Pakistani terrorists entered Mumbai via the sea, sailing by boat from Karachi. They immediately commenced their terror operation, executing coordinated attacks in the downtown area of the financial capital including the main Chattrapati Shivaji railway terminus, the iconic Taj Mahal hotel, the Trident hotel, and a Jewish center. More than 166 people, including foreigners, were murdered in the almost 60-hour attack, which shook the country and drew India and Pakistan to the verge of war.
