The Government of India has established the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to enhance security of ports, ships, and maritime infrastructure, while addressing emerging cyber threats in the sector.

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• The Government of India has set up the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to centralize and strengthen maritime security oversight
• The new body will regulate security of ships, ports, and associated infrastructure while also addressing rising challenges of maritime cyber threats and digital vulnerabilities
• BoPS is modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and will function as the apex regulatory authority for India’s maritime security framework
• Initially, BoPS will operate under the Directorate General of Shipping, which has been renamed as the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA)
• During the transition phase, DGMA head Shyam Jagannathan will also serve as the Director General of BoPS, overseeing institutional setup and operations
• BoPS will focus on security standards formulation, inspections, audits, compliance monitoring, and risk assessment across India’s port ecosystem
• The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been designated as the Recognised Security Organisation for port facilities and will conduct security assessments
• CISF will also prepare Port Facility Security Plans, evaluate vulnerabilities, and guide improvements in port security operations
• A dedicated cyber security framework under BoPS will protect port IT systems from cyberattacks, ransomware threats, and operational disruptions
• The initiative aims to improve coordination, surveillance, and resilience in India’s rapidly expanding and increasingly digital maritime sector