Bureau of Port Security and India’s Maritime Safety Push

Background of the decision

Bureau of Port Security and India’s Maritime Safety Push: The Government of India has decided to establish a Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) to strengthen security at ports and vessels. This decision comes as India’s ports handle rising trade volumes and increased vessel movement. Ports are now seen as critical national infrastructure requiring specialised and coordinated security oversight.

India’s maritime domain has expanded rapidly due to coastal economic growth, logistics corridors, and port-led development. With this expansion, the nature of threats has also evolved. Traditional security measures are no longer sufficient for modern ports.

What is the Bureau of Port Security

The Bureau of Port Security will be a statutory body responsible for regulating and supervising security arrangements at ports, vessels, and port facilities. It will be established under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. The Bureau will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).

The institutional design of BoPS is based on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Just as BCAS oversees airport security, BoPS will act as the central authority for port security governance in India.

Static GK fact: India follows a sector-specific security regulator model, with BCAS for aviation and CISF as the primary industrial security force.

Core functions of BoPS

BoPS will focus on security regulation, coordination, and oversight across all Indian ports. One of its key roles will be the collection, analysis, and dissemination of security intelligence related to maritime threats.

The Bureau will implement graded and risk-based security measures. These measures will depend on factors such as the port’s geographic location, trade volume, strategic importance, and threat perception. This approach ensures efficient use of resources rather than uniform security deployment.

Emphasis on cybersecurity

A dedicated division under BoPS will address cybersecurity risks at ports. Modern ports rely heavily on digital systems for cargo handling, navigation, customs clearance, and logistics coordination. Cyber attacks on these systems can disrupt trade and national security.

BoPS will protect port IT systems, communication networks, and digital infrastructure. This reflects the shift from physical-only security to integrated physical and cyber security frameworks.

Static GK Tip: India’s coastline is about 7,516 km long, making maritime and port security a long-term strategic priority.

Why a dedicated port security body is necessary

India has over 200 ports, including major and non-major ports. These ports handle a large share of India’s external trade and support energy imports, manufacturing supply chains, and coastal employment.

Ports face multiple threats such as smuggling, illegal trafficking, maritime terrorism, cyber intrusions, and congestion-related vulnerabilities. Earlier, security responsibilities were fragmented among multiple agencies, leading to coordination gaps.

A single nodal authority like BoPS will improve standardisation, accountability, and response capability.

Role of CISF in port security

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will act as the recognised security organisation for ports. BoPS will provide regulatory oversight, while CISF will implement ground-level security measures. This ensures a clear division between policy regulation and operational execution.

Static GK fact: CISF was raised in 1969 and currently provides security to major infrastructure sectors including ports, airports, metros, and power plants.

Strategic significance for India

The creation of BoPS strengthens India’s maritime security architecture. Secure ports enhance investor confidence, protect supply chains, and safeguard coastal regions. The move also aligns with India’s broader goals of blue economy growth and port-led development.

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Bureau of Port Security and India’s Maritime Safety Push: