Pratik Bijlani –
India is moving towards a more integrated and technology-driven approach to port security, with cybersecurity, surveillance, inter-agency coordination and emerging geopolitical threats becoming central to maritime security planning. These priorities came into focus at the 2nd National Port Security Conference 2026, held in New Delhi on 6th August under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Directorate General of Maritime Administration.
Inaugurated by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the conference brought together around 140 participants from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, CISF, State Maritime Boards, port authorities, government agencies and the maritime industry. The discussions examined the evolving threat landscape facing India’s expanding port network, including cyberattacks, drones, illicit activities, geopolitical conflicts and vulnerabilities created by increasing digitalisation.
Welcoming delegates, Capt SI Abul Kalam Azad highlighted five priorities: implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, review and auditing of port security plans, stronger access control, training of security personnel and the adoption of AI and advanced technologies while maintaining ease of doing business. He noted that 74 major port facilities are currently ISPS-compliant, while efforts are continuing to extend security measures to other port facilities, coastal berths and fishing harbours.
Mr Sushil Mansing Khopde, Additional Director General of Maritime Administration, emphasised that compliance alone cannot address an evolving threat environment. “Maritime security is an evolving challenge, and with changing times, we need to continuously adapt to emerging technologies to strengthen the security of our ports, coastline and the wider maritime domain.” he said. He also highlighted the proposed Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) as an important institutional mechanism for strengthening oversight, audits, intelligence-sharing and coordination.
Director General of Maritime Administration, Mr Shyam Jagannathan stressed that ports must be protected as strategic economic assets through a risk-based security framework. “Ports are economic strategic assets and need to be protected, preserved and promoted through a bespoke security approach addressing conventional risks such as smuggling, stowaways and unauthorised access, alongside cyber intrusion and emerging threats.” he said.
The conference also highlighted the growing role of AI, real-time analytics, geospatial platforms, cyber-intelligence sharing, sensor fusion and unmanned systems in strengthening maritime domain awareness. Dr Rajendra Kumar, Secretary (Border Management), Ministry of Home Affairs, linked these measures directly to India’s long-term economic ambitions. “As maritime trade grows significantly towards 2047, we also need to look at the security of the entire infrastructure being created and ensure that emerging threats do not undermine India’s economic ambitions.” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Sonowal called for a “security by design” philosophy, under which physical, cyber and emerging threats are incorporated into port planning and operations from the outset. “Port security must move at the same speed as maritime development. As India expands its ports, infrastructure and digital systems, security must be built into their planning and operations from the beginning, ensuring that physical, cyber and emerging threats are addressed through strong coordination and a resilient, future-ready maritime security framework.” he said.
The conference ultimately reinforced a central message: as India expands its maritime infrastructure and seeks greater global trade connectivity, port security can no longer be treated as a standalone function. It must evolve alongside infrastructure, technology and trade, supported by stronger institutions, continuous risk assessment and coordinated action across the maritime security ecosystem.
Marex Media