Union Home Minister Amit Shah today emphasised the need to establish a robust port security framework across the country. Convening a meeting for the constitution of a dedicated body, the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), for the security of vessels and port facilities in New Delhi, the Minister directed that security measures should be implemented in a graded and risk-based manner, taking into account vulnerabilities, trade potential, location and other relevant parameters.

 

The Ministry informed that the Bureau of Port Security will be constituted as a statutory body under Section 13 of the newly promulgated Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, and will be modelled on the lines of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. BoPS will ensure timely analysis, collection and exchange of security-related information, with special focus on cybersecurity, including a dedicated division to protect port IT infrastructure from digital threats.

 

Furthermore, the Central Industrial Security Force has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation for port facilities, with responsibility for conducting security assessments and preparing security plans for ports.