The Union government is set to enhance security at India’s sea ports by placing it under the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This initiative aims to establish a cohesive, airport-style security framework across both major and minor maritime gateways. Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the CISF will be responsible for overseeing security at sea ports nationwide, serving as the lead agency recognized under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
This move follows directives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, which assigned the CISF to perform Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSA) and develop Port Facility Security Plans (PFSP) for 80 key EXIM ports, with plans to expand this to approximately 250 seaports across the country. Under this hybrid security model, the CISF will manage essential tasks such as access control, perimeter and seafront patrols, and screening of cargo and passengers.
Meanwhile, non-core responsibilities, including traffic management and certain gate operations, may be delegated to state police, state industrial security forces, or private security firms. To support this effort, the CISF is establishing a dedicated port-security division, which will involve adding around 12,000 personnel and implementing standardized training to address inconsistencies in security measures at various ports.
Officials indicate that this comprehensive overhaul is designed to strengthen India’s maritime defenses against threats such as terrorism, smuggling, and drone incursions, while ensuring secure and efficient operations at ports that are vital to the country’s trade.
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