Department of Maritime Studies is one of the two new centres established under the School of National Security Studies in 2018. The Centre aims to establish itself as a centre of excellence in the field of maritime studies in India promoting policy relevant research and analysis through collaboration with government, policy practitioners, academics and industry. It will study emerging issues and concerns related to India's coastal and maritime domain, the institutions, practices, and discourses that shape them. Since Gujarat is rapidly growing as India's maritime hotspot and the state has tremendous potential to develop in areas of port development, maritime trade and commerce, the Centre will focus on issues related to Gujarat's coastal and maritime security and India's role in the Indian Ocean particularly its engagement with Arabian Sea littorals. Though academic activity has begun in the centre, teaching and research programmes will be offered from the next academic session.