Thu Dec 25 03:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

India has established the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) as a statutory body under the Merchant Shipping Act 2025, modeled after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. It will operate under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. This move centralizes coastal security responsibilities previously shared among multiple agencies, aiming to improve coordination and address security gaps. The BoPS will tackle maritime terrorism, smuggling, cyber threats, and enforce international standards like the ISPS Code. This development aligns with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030, spurred by significant growth in port capacity, cargo volume, and inland waterway usage. The creation of BoPS is part of a larger effort to modernize India’s maritime legal framework, including the replacement of the old Indian Ports Act with the new Indian Ports Act of 2025. However, some coastal states have criticized the new act for potentially infringing on maritime federalism, and some have raised concerns over the extensive powers granted to port officers.

News Article:

India Establishes Bureau of Port Security to Fortify Maritime Borders

New Delhi, December 25, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster its coastal defenses and maritime security, India has launched the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) as a statutory body under the newly enacted Merchant Shipping Act 2025. Modeled after the successful Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, the BoPS will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

Previously, coastal security was fragmented across various agencies, including the Coast Guard, CISF, and state maritime police. The BoPS aims to streamline these efforts, providing a single regulatory and coordinating body to address potential security vulnerabilities.

“The establishment of the BoPS is a crucial step in safeguarding our maritime interests,” stated a ministry spokesperson. “This centralized approach will enhance coordination and communication, allowing us to more effectively combat threats.”

The BoPS’s mandate includes countering maritime terrorism, smuggling (arms, drugs, human trafficking), piracy, illegal migration, and cybersecurity threats targeting port infrastructure. A dedicated cybersecurity division will focus on protecting port IT systems and exchanging security-related information with national cybersecurity agencies.

The new bureau will enforce international maritime security standards, including the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The CISF has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation, charged with preparing standardized security plans and training personnel across all ports.

This development is part of India’s broader Maritime India Vision 2030, which aims to modernize ports, boost shipping, and develop inland waterways. India’s maritime sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, with cargo volume increasing by over 60% since 2014 and port capacity expanding by 57%.

The creation of the BoPS accompanies a series of new maritime legislations, including the Indian Ports Act of 2025, which replaces the century-old Indian Ports Act of 1908. However, the new act has faced criticism from some coastal states, who argue that it encroaches upon their autonomy over non-major ports. Concerns have also been raised regarding the broad powers granted to port officials under the legislation.

While the BoPS itself has not been directly criticized, its effectiveness will depend on addressing these concerns and ensuring smooth cooperation between the central government and the coastal states.

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