At present, India’s seaports operate without a standardised security model, with arrangements varying widely and often relying on private security agencies or local police
The Indian government has designated the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the lead security regulator for more than 250 seaports, as part of a broader effort to address long-standing gaps in coastal security, a senior government official has said.
Under the new arrangement, the government plans to deploy a “sovereign entity” at private seaports handling cargo, bringing them under a uniform national security framework. In the first phase, at least 80 ports involved in export and import operations will come under CISF regulation, with the force responsible for access control, cargo screening and patrolling of seafront areas.
CISF currently provides security at all 13 major seaports across states and union territories including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
At present, India’s seaports operate without a standardised security model, with arrangements varying widely and often relying on private security agencies or local police. Coastal security is expected to feature prominently at next week’s conference of directors general of police, organised by the Intelligence Bureau in Chhattisgarh, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend.
The move follows guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2023 after deliberations at the National Security Strategy Conference. On 18 November, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways formally designated CISF as the recognised security organisation for seaports under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
“Just like airports, CISF will be the lead agency for seaports,” the official said. “There are multiple gaps, and through audits and detailed studies these problem areas will be addressed. While core security functions at 80 cargo-handling ports will be managed by CISF, the remaining 170 ports will be covered in phases.”
According to CISF estimates, between 800 and 1,000 personnel are required to secure each port. The force has sought approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs for an additional 10,000 personnel to support deployment at the initial 80 ports.
“There is adequate deployment along land borders, but coastal security has lagged behind,” the official said. “These areas remain open and largely unprotected, with no sovereign security presence at private ports.”
The policy shift follows recommendations from a joint committee of CISF and the Directorate General of Shipping, set up in September 2024, which carried out a comprehensive review and gap analysis of port security arrangements.
Under a hybrid security model, CISF will handle core security functions at all export-import ports, while non-core tasks such as traffic management, gate operations and ancillary duties may be assigned to state police forces or private security agencies. CISF will also conduct mandatory training for private security personnel.
Officials said the layered approach is intended to improve accountability, efficiency and consistency across India’s port security ecosystem, in line with Home Ministry guidelines for non-major ports issued in July 2023.
