New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and MoS in the PMO, Department of Space, Department of Atomic Energy, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh, held a courtesy meeting with former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi (Retd.), who has recently taken over as Chairman of the National Maritime Foundation (NMF).
During the meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh and Admiral Tripathi discussed a range of maritime issues, particularly in the context of the Deep Ocean Mission being pursued by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The interaction also underlined the importance of closer cooperation between India’s scientific, maritime and strategic institutions in harnessing the potential of the oceans.
The National Maritime Foundation, established in New Delhi in 2005, is India’s first think tank dedicated exclusively to the maritime domain. Its research covers a broad spectrum of issues, including maritime security, ocean governance, naval strategy, Indo-Pacific geopolitics, maritime law and the Blue Economy. Unlike a purely military-focused institution, the NMF takes a comprehensive approach to India’s maritime interests.
Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi assumed the chairmanship of the NMF in June 2026, marking a significant leadership transition for the organisation.
The Deep Ocean Mission, meanwhile, is aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in deep-sea exploration, developing technologies for the sustainable utilisation of ocean resources and supporting the country’s broader Blue Economy objectives. The mission also has strategic significance, given India’s extensive maritime interests and its dependence on the oceans for resources, connectivity and security.
The meeting assumes significance as India seeks to bring greater synergy among scientific research, maritime strategy, ocean exploration and national security, while expanding its capabilities in the deep ocean.
In essence, the interaction between Dr Jitendra Singh and Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi highlighted the growing importance of India’s maritime domain and the need for stronger coordination between scientific institutions and maritime experts to advance the Deep Ocean Mission and India’s Blue Economy vision.