India Moves Toward a Stronger Port Security Framework
India has taken a major step toward strengthening maritime and port security with the decision to constitute a dedicated statutory body called the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS). The initiative was discussed in a high-level meeting convened by the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, focusing on enhancing the security of vessels and port facilities across the country.
The meeting, attended by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Minister of Civil Aviation, underlined the growing importance of port security in a rapidly expanding maritime trade environment. With India’s ports handling increasing volumes of cargo and vessel traffic, the need for a coordinated, risk-based, and future-ready maritime security framework has become critical.
Why India Needs a Dedicated Bureau of Port Security
India’s ports are vital gateways for international trade, energy imports, coastal shipping, and passenger movement. As maritime activity increases, ports face a range of evolving threats, physical security risks, cyber threats, smuggling, sabotage, and potential disruption of supply chains.
During the meeting, Shri Amit Shah emphasised the need for a robust port security framework that can respond to these challenges in a structured and professional manner. He highlighted that port security must not follow a “one-size-fits-all” approach, but should instead be graded and risk-based, taking into account multiple factors such as vulnerabilities, trade potential, geographic location, and strategic importance of each port. This approach ensures that security resources are deployed efficiently while maintaining high safety standards across all port facilities.
Statutory Status Under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
The Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) will be constituted as a statutory body under Section 13 of the newly promulgated Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. Giving the Bureau statutory backing ensures legal authority, continuity, and accountability in port security governance.
The Bureau will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and will be responsible for regulatory and oversight functions related to the security of ships and port facilities. This includes monitoring compliance, issuing guidelines, and coordinating security efforts across ports. The creation of BoPS under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 reflects the government’s intent to modernise maritime governance in line with global best practices.
Modelled on Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)
The Bureau of Port Security is being modelled on the lines of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which plays a central role in ensuring aviation security across India. Similar to BCAS, BoPS will act as a specialised authority focused solely on port and maritime security.
By adopting a proven institutional model, the government aims to bring standardisation, professionalism, and coordination to port security management. This structure allows for better integration of intelligence, regulatory oversight, and operational security measures.
Leadership and Transitional Arrangements
The Bureau of Port Security will be headed by a Director General, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer at Pay Level 15, ensuring senior-level leadership and operational experience in security matters.
During the one-year transition period, the Director General of Shipping (DGS/DGMA) will function as the Director General of BoPS. This transitional arrangement ensures continuity and smooth integration of existing maritime safety and security mechanisms into the new institutional framework.
Focus on Cyber Security and Digital Threats
A significant feature of the proposed Bureau of Port Security is its strong emphasis on cyber security. Modern ports rely heavily on digital systems for cargo handling, vessel traffic management, access control, and logistics operations. This digital dependence also exposes ports to cyber risks.
BoPS will ensure the timely analysis, collection, and exchange of security-related information, with a dedicated division focused on protecting port IT infrastructure from digital threats. This includes monitoring cyber vulnerabilities, issuing advisories, and coordinating responses to cyber incidents. By integrating cyber security into port security planning, India aims to safeguard its maritime infrastructure against both physical and digital risks.
CISF Designated as Recognised Security Organisation
To strengthen on-ground security, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for port facilities. CISF will be responsible for conducting security assessments and preparing security plans for ports across the country. This move brings uniformity and professionalism to port security assessments, ensuring that ports meet national and international security standards. CISF’s experience in securing critical infrastructure makes it well-suited for this role.
Training and Regulation of Private Security Agencies
In addition to its direct responsibilities, CISF has been mandated to train and build the capacities of Private Security Agencies (PSAs) engaged in port security. These agencies play an important role in day-to-day security operations at ports. Under the new framework, PSAs will be certified, and appropriate regulatory measures will be introduced to ensure that only licensed and trained agencies operate in the port security sector. This step aims to improve accountability, standardise training, and reduce security gaps caused by unregulated operators.
Risk-Based and Graded Security Implementation
One of the key directives issued by the Union Home Minister was that port security measures should be implemented in a graded and risk-based manner. This means that security arrangements will vary depending on the specific risk profile of each port.
Factors such as:
- Volume and nature of trade
- Strategic and geographic location
- Existing vulnerabilities
- Critical infrastructure presence
will determine the level and type of security measures applied. This flexible approach allows ports to maintain strong security without unnecessary operational burden.
Learning Across Sectors – Maritime and Aviation Security
During the meeting, it was also noted that lessons learned from the maritime security framework should be replicated in the aviation security domain, and vice versa. This cross-sector learning will help India develop a more integrated and resilient national security architecture. By sharing best practices between maritime and aviation security, the government aims to enhance preparedness, coordination, and response capabilities across critical transport sectors.
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A Major Step Toward Secure Ports and Trade
The decision to establish the Bureau of Port Security marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime governance. With statutory backing, professional leadership, cyber security focus, and support from CISF, the Bureau is expected to play a central role in safeguarding India’s ports and vessels. For students, marine professionals, and industry stakeholders, the creation of BoPS signals India’s commitment to secure, efficient, and resilient maritime infrastructure, an essential foundation for trade growth, coastal development, and national security in the years ahead.
Source: PIB
