Vasan (Retd.) is a veteran naval officer with over 34 years of service in the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, including command of warships, air stations, and participation in the 1971 War and IPKF operations. A former Regional Commander of the Indian Coast Guard (East), he has also served as an instructor at the Naval War College. Post-retirement, he has held senior roles in leading think tanks and academic institutions and is currently Director General of the Chennai Centre for China Studies and Regional Director, National Maritime Foundation (Tamil Nadu). His research interests include the Indo-Pacific, maritime security, China studies, blue economy, and ocean governance. Prof.