Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday called for a technology-led transformation of India’s maritime security architecture, saying the country’s expanding port network and growing role in global trade require resilient, integrated and future-ready security systems capable of addressing emerging cyber and geopolitical threats.
Addressing the 2nd National Port Security Conference 2026 in New Delhi, Sonowal said India’s ports should be evaluated not only by their cargo handling capacity and operational efficiency but also by their preparedness to withstand evolving security challenges.
“Safe Ports create Strong Trade. Strong Trade creates a Strong Economy. And a strong economy builds a strong Nation,” the Minister said, stressing that cyberattacks, drone incursions, supply chain vulnerabilities and threats to digital infrastructure have made maritime security a strategic imperative rather than merely an operational concern.
He urged maritime stakeholders to adopt advanced technologies, strengthen institutional coordination and build a robust security ecosystem capable of supporting India’s long-term maritime ambitions.
Highlighting the Government’s ongoing initiatives, Sonowal said the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), established under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, would provide a dedicated institutional framework to strengthen regulatory oversight, standardise security practices and improve coordination among maritime agencies.
The Minister also underscored the importance of digital transformation in the maritime sector, citing initiatives such as e-Samudra, the Maritime Single Window and the One Nation One Port Process. He said India’s transition towards smart ports must be complemented by equally strong cyber security measures and comprehensive risk management systems.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister 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 brought together around 140 participants, including senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), State Maritime Boards, major port authorities, non-major ports and industry representatives to deliberate on emerging security challenges facing India’s maritime sector.
Speaking at the conference, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary Vijay Kumar advocated a “Security by Design” approach, calling for security considerations to be integrated into every stage of port planning and development.
Secretary (Border Management) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, highlighted the need for greater use of technology and stronger inter-agency coordination to tackle evolving cyber threats, drone incursions and other transnational maritime security challenges.
The conference also featured technical sessions on the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, cyber security, geopolitical risks affecting global shipping and emerging best practices in maritime security. Participants are expected to formulate recommendations to further strengthen India’s port security framework and enhance the resilience of the country’s maritime infrastructure.
