Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd), former Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), has been appointed as the new National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC). He succeeds Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, who recently completed his tenure as the country’s first NMSC. The NMSC serves as the principal adviser to the government on maritime security matters and operates within the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), which is headed by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
Vice Admiral Ashok Kumar, who retired as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS) in July 2021, was appointed the first NMSC in February 2022. During his tenure, he focused on fostering greater cooperation among various agencies and stakeholders responsible for safeguarding India’s extensive coastline and exclusive economic zone.
The establishment of the NMSC role has been a long-awaited development in India’s security framework. The idea was first proposed after the 1999 Kargil War to bolster maritime security. However, it gained significant traction following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, leading to demands for a Maritime Security Advisory Board and a dedicated maritime security advisor. Since then, India has undertaken major initiatives to enhance coastal security, expand maritime infrastructure, and modernize the Navy and Coast Guard.
An Illustrious Naval Career
Vice Admiral Dasgupta’s illustrious naval career culminated in July 2023 after 38 years of service, leaving behind a legacy marked by significant operational and leadership achievements. As the Eastern Naval Commander for 20 months, he skillfully managed high-stakes operations across a vast maritime expanse, including the Eastern Pacific and East Coast of Africa. His tenure was defined by pivotal humanitarian missions—most notably Operation Kaveri, which successfully evacuated stranded Indian citizens from Sudan, and Operation Karuna, which provided essential relief to Myanmar in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha.
In addition to his operational successes, Vice Admiral Dasgupta was instrumental in orchestrating a series of prestigious naval events that showcased India’s maritime prowess, including MILAN 2022—a multilateral maritime exercise that attracted participants from around the world—and the President’s Fleet Review 2022, which highlighted the capabilities of the Indian Navy in front of the nation’s leader.
He also made significant contributions to infrastructure and welfare initiatives within the Eastern Naval Command, notably establishing the Sea Harrier Museum in Visakhapatnam and the TU Museum in Kolkata, which serve as testaments to his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for naval personnel and their families.
Challenges Ahead
As the new National Maritime Security Coordinator, Vice Admiral Dasgupta faces the critical challenge of enhancing India’s maritime security framework, building on the solid foundation established by his predecessor. Despite significant advancements in coastal security and inter-agency cooperation, state governments have been slow to increase their involvement. Major obstacles remain, including a shortage of marine police stations and trained personnel, underutilized patrol boats for coastal surveillance, and inadequacies in shore-based infrastructure. Addressing these issues will be his immediate priority, as he aims to create a more efficient, responsive, and integrated maritime security system for India.
Ravi Shankar
