The National Maritime Foundation, in New Delhi, India is a non-governmental, non-political maritime think-tank under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, inaugurated by the Defence Minister of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in February 2005 in New Delhi. The Foundation aims to undertake studies and analyses on various issues of concern in the maritime domain with a view to formulate and present options for a vibrant and evolving national maritime policy. Official media partner: India's top leading maritime and shipping media, Sea and Coast. Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff, is patron of the National Maritime Foundation. Areas of interest * Disaster management * Fisheries * Marine environment * Salvage * Maritime heritage * Maritime law * Maritime security * Navigation * Oceanography & Meteorology * Offshore oil exploration * Piracy * Pollution control * Ports * Search and Rescue * Ship repair * Shipbuilding * Shipping * Undersea resources