India Creates New Agency for Enhanced Port Security Amid Rising Concerns
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The Indian government has established a dedicated agency, the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), to oversee the security of ports and vessels nationwide. This move comes in response to growing concerns about maritime security, following recent intelligence inputs on potential terror attacks and hijacking in Indian waterways. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who emphasized the need for a robust port security framework. The BoPS will be a statutory body, modelled after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and will operate under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). The agency will be headed by an IPS officer and will focus on regulatory and oversight functions, including cybersecurity. The Centre has also designated the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the recognized security organization (RSO) for port facilities, which will cover 13 major ports and soon manage security at 67 additional major ports. The CISF will be responsible for screening cargo, access control, and other security details. The government has also approved CISF's proposal to increase its sanctioned strength. The establishment of the BoPS and CISF's new role in port security comes amid a growing threat of terror attacks and hijacking in Indian waterways. Intelligence agencies have reported inputs of potential attacks, and anti-hijacking drills are being conducted regularly by the National Security Guards (NSG). The new agency will work to strengthen port security, including through cybersecurity measures, to safeguard the country's maritime interests. The BoPS will be responsible for ensuring timely analysis, collection, and exchange of security-related information, including cyber threats. The agency will also have a dedicated division to safeguard port IT infrastructure from digital threats. The government's efforts to enhance port security are aimed at protecting India's maritime economy and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
