India is looking to strengthen its maritime security systems through technology and better coordination as the country’s port network expands and its role in global trade grows, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.
Addressing the 2nd National Port Security Conference 2026 in New Delhi, Sonowal said ports should be judged not only by their cargo handling capacity and operational performance but also by their ability to respond to changing security challenges.
He said cyberattacks, drone incursions, supply chain vulnerabilities and threats to digital infrastructure have made maritime security an important strategic concern.
“Safe Ports create Strong Trade. Strong Trade creates a Strong Economy. And a strong economy builds a strong Nation,” Sonowal said.
The minister called on maritime stakeholders to adopt advanced technologies, improve coordination between agencies and develop a stronger security framework to support India’s maritime growth.
Sonowal highlighted the role of the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), established under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, saying it would help strengthen regulatory oversight, bring standardisation to security practices and improve coordination among maritime agencies.
He also highlighted digital initiatives including e-Samudra, the Maritime Single Window and the One Nation One Port Process, saying India’s move towards smart ports must be supported by strong cybersecurity measures and risk management systems.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guided by the vision of SAGAR, we are committed to building a secure, resilient and future-ready maritime ecosystem that will anchor India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047,” Sonowal said.
The conference was attended by around 140 participants, including senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, State Maritime Boards, major port authorities, non-major ports and industry representatives.
The discussions focused on new security threats to India’s maritime sector and ways to improve port security.
MoPSW Secretary Vijay Kumar called for a “Security by Design” approach, saying security measures should be included at every stage of port planning and development.
Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Secretary (Border Management) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, called for more use of technology and better coordination between agencies to tackle cyber threats, drone incursions and other maritime security threats.
The conference included technical sessions on the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, cybersecurity, geopolitical risks affecting global shipping and emerging practices in maritime security.
Participants are expected to prepare recommendations to further strengthen India’s port security framework and improve the resilience of the country’s maritime infrastructure.
References: ddindia, indiashippingnews
