Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal calls for stronger port security amid evolving maritime threats
Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said that the port security environment is changing rapidly. He said that cyber threats, drones, supply chain disruptions, risks to digital networks, information systems, and critical infrastructure have added an entirely new dimension to maritime security.
Addressing the National Port Security Conference 2026 in New Delhi, Mr Sonowal said that security of the port is a shared national responsibility. He said that India needs security systems that can anticipate risk, adapt quickly, and respond in a coordinated manner. Mr Sonowal noted that India has always been a maritime nation for centuries. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is once again emerging as a major global maritime power. Indian ports are expanding, cargo volumes are growing, logistics networks are becoming more integrated, and new maritime infrastructure is being created under Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The Minister further said that the government is moving towards the principle of security by design. He said that the security should not be added after a port terminal or digital system has been developed, it must be built into the planning, design, technology, and operation of maritime infrastructure from the very beginning. He further added that the provision of the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) is important. He said that the proposed BoPS is ambitious to strengthen institutional capacity, improve regulatory oversight, and enhance coordination among all stakeholders responsible for port security. It can help ensure better preparedness and more effective implementation of security standards across the ports of the country.
