Union Minister Sonowal pitches technology-led maritime security framework as India's Port network expands
New Delhi, August 6
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal 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 security systems that are resilient, integrated and equipped to counter emerging cyber and geopolitical threats.
Addressing the 2nd National Port Security Conference 2026 in New Delhi, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said India's ports should be measured not only by cargo throughput and operational efficiency but also by their ability to withstand evolving security risks.
He urged maritime stakeholders to adopt advanced technologies, strengthen institutional coordination and build a future-ready security ecosystem that supports India's long-term maritime ambitions.
"Safe Ports create Strong Trade. Strong Trade creates a Strong Economy. And a Strong Economy builds a Strong Nation," Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, adding that cyberattacks, drone incursions, supply chain vulnerabilities and threats to digital infrastructure have made maritime security a strategic imperative rather than merely an operational requirement.
The Union Minister said the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) 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.
He also highlighted digital initiatives such as e-Samudra, the Maritime Single Window and the One Nation One Port Process, saying India's transition towards smart ports must be accompanied by equally robust cyber security and risk management systems.
"Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji 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," added Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
The conference brought together around 140 participants, including senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, State Maritime Boards, Major Port Authorities, non-major ports and industry representatives to deliberate on emerging security challenges facing India's maritime sector.
Secretary, MoPSW, Vijay Kumar, advocated a "Security by Design" approach, calling for security to be integrated into every stage of port development, while Secretary (Border Management), Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, stressed greater use of technology and inter-agency coordination to address emerging cyber, drone and transnational maritime security threats.
The conference 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, with participants expected to formulate recommendations for strengthening India's port security framework.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who works in global shipping logistics, it's refreshing to see India taking maritime cybersecurity seriously. The Maritime Single Window and e-Samudra are big steps forward. But implementation on the ground will be the real test.
"Safe Ports create Strong Trade" - nice slogan, but let's hope they actually allocate enough budget for these initiatives. Our ports are expanding rapidly, and security infrastructure needs to match that pace. Would love to see more details on the technology stack they plan to deploy.
Interesting development. Cyber threats to ports are often overlooked in mainstream discussions. The integration of Navy, Coast Guard, and state maritime boards is crucial - siloed approaches won't work anymore. Also good to see ISPS Code training getting attention.
The SAGAR vision is good on paper, but we need concrete timelines and measurable outcomes. 140 participants for a national security conference seems a bit low given the scale of our coastline. Hopefully the recommendations translate into real action, not just reports. 🤔
Good to see the government focusing on this. India's maritime trade is growing massively and our ports are becoming more digitized - which also makes them more vulnerable to cyber attacks. The "Security by Design" approach mentioned by the Secretary is spot on. Better to build it in from the start than retrofit later.
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