Why in news?
The Union Home Minister convened a high‑level meeting on 19 December 2025 to review maritime security and approved the creation of a statutory Bureau of Port Security (BoPS). The new body will oversee the security of India’s ports and vessels.
Background
The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 includes provisions for establishing a Bureau of Port Security, modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. India has around 77 major and minor ports handling vast volumes of cargo, making them potential targets for smuggling, piracy and cyberattacks. Until now, port security functions were dispersed among various agencies, leading to gaps and overlaps.
Planned structure and functions
- Statutory authority: BoPS will be constituted under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 and will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It will be headed by a Director General (DG) at the rank of an IPS officer; during a one‑year transition, the Director General of Shipping will act as DG BoPS.
- Regulatory and oversight role: The bureau will set security standards for ships and port facilities, conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with international codes such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
- Risk‑based approach: Security measures will be graded according to each port’s vulnerabilities, trade volume and geographical location. Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed that security frameworks be future‑ready and factor in emerging threats.
- Information and cybersecurity: BoPS will collect and analyse security‑related information and create a dedicated division to safeguard port information‑technology infrastructure from cyber threats. It will facilitate timely information exchange among agencies.
- CISF and private security: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation for port facilities. CISF will train and build the capacity of private security agencies, which will be certified to ensure standardised practices.
Significance
The establishment of BoPS is expected to strengthen maritime security by providing a single point of accountability. It will harmonise security standards, improve coordination among agencies and help protect India’s growing maritime trade from physical and cyber threats.
Sources: PIB
