Context:

Recently, the Union government constituted the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) as a statutory body under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, marking a significant institutional reform in India’s maritime security governance.

Need for a Dedicated Port Security Authority:

Earlier, port and coastal security responsibilities were fragmented among multiple agencies:

• • • • Indian Navy
      • Indian Coast Guard
      • Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
      • State maritime police
      • Port authorities

While this multi-agency framework was operationally robust, it lacked a single statutory regulator, resulting in:

• • • • Coordination gaps
      • Overlapping jurisdictions
      • Uneven implementation of security standards

Recognising these challenges, the government established the BoPS as a nodal regulatory authority, analogous to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in the aviation sector.

About the Bureau of Port Security:

• • • • Constituted under: Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
      • Administrative control: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
      • Nature: Regulatory and supervisory (non-operational)
      • Coverage: Major ports, non-major ports, ships, and maritime infrastructure

The BoPS focuses on policy formulation, standard-setting, compliance, coordination and oversight, while operational agencies continue to discharge field-level security responsibilities.

Key Functions of the Bureau of Port Security:

The BoPS addresses both traditional and emerging maritime threats, including:

• • • • Maritime terrorism
      • Arms, drug and human trafficking
      • Illegal migration
      • Piracy and poaching
      • Port-related organised crime

Cybersecurity Focus:

• • • • Modern ports increasingly rely on digital platforms for cargo handling, navigation and logistics.
      • The BoPS is mandated to secure port information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems, in coordination with national cybersecurity agencies.

International Obligations:

• • • • The BoPS ensures compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which prescribes minimum global security standards for ports and vessels engaged in international maritime trade.

Role of CISF in Port Security:

• • • • Under the BoPS framework, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is designated as a recognised security organisation.
      • Key CISF responsibilities include:
        • Preparation of standardised port security plans
        • Conducting security assessments
        • Training private security agencies deployed at ports

Strategic Significance:

The establishment of the BoPS aligns with:

• • • • Maritime India Vision 2030
      • India’s ambitions for:
        • World-class port infrastructure
        • Green and efficient shipping
        • Secure maritime trade routes
      • Strengthening India’s role in the Indo-Pacific maritime security architecture

India’s Maritime and Coastal Landscape:

• • • • India has a coastline exceeding 11,000 km, making maritime security strategically vital.
      • As of 2025:
        • 12 major ports (under Union control)
        • 217 non-major ports, of which 66 handle cargo
      • Major ports handle more than 50% of India’s maritime cargo traffic.

Conclusion:

The establishment of the Bureau of Port Security represents a decisive shift towards institutionalised, coordinated and future-ready maritime security governance. By acting as a central regulatory authority, the BoPS strengthens India’s capacity to safeguard its expanding maritime infrastructure against both conventional and emerging threats. Its effectiveness, however, will depend on cooperative federalism, technological integration, and seamless coordination with operational security agencies.