Amit Shah Directs Formation of Bureau of Port Security to Fortify India’s Maritime Infrastructure

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah has convened a high-level meeting to establish the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), a dedicated statutory body designed to overhaul the security of India’s vessels and port facilities. Formed under Section 13 of the newly promulgated Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, the BoPS is modeled after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and will be headed by an IPS officer to oversee regulatory functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Amit Shah emphasized that the new framework must implement security in a graded, risk-based manner, prioritizing factors such as trade potential and geographical vulnerability. A critical component of this initiative is the creation of a dedicated cyber security division to protect port IT infrastructure from digital threats. Furthermore, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) responsible for port security assessments and the training of licensed private security agencies, ensuring a robust and modernized maritime defense system that mirrors the efficiency of national aviation security.