Nishant Kumar
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive expertise in national security policy and multilateral diplomacy within Indian Navy. Demonstrated success in enhancing secure communication infrastructure and influencing global standards on emerging technologies. Skilled in cross-government coordination and risk assessment, spearheading strategic initiatives while cultivating collaborative team environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
DACIDS SI (Navy)
Indian Navy
01.2024 - Current
- Direct oversight of 17 naval units, ensuring operational readiness and strategic alignment.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
Commanding Officer – INS Kattabomman
Indian Navy
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Led operations at the Navy’s only VLF station, ensuring self-reliant and resilient communication for national strategic assets.
- Reinforced practices relevant to strategic stability, redundancy planning, and mission-critical systems.
Officer-in-Charge, Naval Communication Network (NCN)
Indian Navy
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Directed India’s first terrestrial optical fibre defence communication network, enhancing secure digital infrastructure nationally.
- Oversaw data centre creation, fibre deployment, and modernisation of maritime communication architecture.
- Supported major satellite communication advancement through Project Rukmani.
- Experience relevant to policy areas involving cybersecurity, secure infrastructure, digital sovereignty, and strategic tech.
Director (Military Affairs), MEA – Disarmament & International Security Affairs (DISA)
Ministry of External Affairs
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Represented India at UNCOPUOS, CCW, SALW and other global security forums.
- Led Indian delegations negotiating frameworks on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS); contributed to shaping global norms on emerging technologies.
- Key contributor to India’s chairmanship of the UN Group of Governmental Experts on LAWS (2016–18).
- Coordinated policy positions across ministries, armed forces, and international missions.
- Produced briefings, analytical inputs, and strategic assessments for MEA leadership.
Chief Instructor & OIC, Signal School
Indian Navy
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Strengthened Navy’s training frameworks in Electronic Warfare (EW) and Information Warfare (IW)—key domains for modern security studies.
Command Plans Officer & Command Amphibious Warfare Officer
Indian Navy
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Strategic planning & joint operations.
Fleet Electronic Warfare Officer
Indian Navy
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Directed operational EW capability and performed threat assessment.
Education
Master’s -
Telecommunications
Master’s -
Defence Studies
Skills
- Global governance and multilateral diplomacy
- National security policy and strategy
- Emerging technologies and security
- Disarmament and international security
- Cross-government coordination
- Geopolitics and military strategy
- Risk assessment and technology governance
- Institutional leadership and capability development
Focus Areas For Think Tank Contribution
- Global rules for autonomous weapons & emerging technologies
- Indo-Pacific security & maritime strategy
- Space governance & military use of outer space
- Disarmament, arms control & multilateral negotiations
- Cyber, information warfare & strategic communication
- Defence capability development & organisational transformation
Core Expertise
- Global Governance & Multilateral Diplomacy
- National Security Policy & Strategic Planning
- Emerging Technologies & Security (LAWS, Space, C4ISR)
- Disarmament & International Security Affairs
- Cross-Government & Inter-Agency Coordination
- Geopolitics, Military Strategy & Defence Modernisation
- Risk Assessment & Technology Governance
- Institutional Leadership & Capability Development
Timeline
DACIDS SI (Navy)
Indian Navy
01.2024 - Current
Commanding Officer – INS Kattabomman
Indian Navy
01.2022 - 01.2024
Officer-in-Charge, Naval Communication Network (NCN)
Indian Navy
01.2019 - 01.2022
Director (Military Affairs), MEA – Disarmament & International Security Affairs (DISA)
Ministry of External Affairs
01.2015 - 01.2019
Chief Instructor & OIC, Signal School
Indian Navy
01.2012 - 01.2014
Command Plans Officer & Command Amphibious Warfare Officer
Indian Navy
01.2011 - 01.2012
Fleet Electronic Warfare Officer
Indian Navy
01.2009 - 01.2011
Master’s -
Telecommunications
Master’s -
Defence Studies