[3] He received a regular commission in the Indian Navy post-Independence, and was promoted substantive lieutenant-commander on 30 December 1954.

[2] In 1969, he attended a course at the Imperial Defence College (now the Royal College of Defence Studies) in London,[1] and served as naval adviser to the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom at India House, London from December 1969 to April 1972.

[6] On 2 May 1973, Commodore Datta was promoted acting rear admiral and appointed Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff.

[10] After retiring from the Navy, Datta was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in November 1977.

[2] A skilled yachtsman, he later became the Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Yachting Association of India and managed the national team.