CISF to Oversee Security at 250 Indian Seaports Under New Unified Framework

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• The Union Government has appointed the CISF as the security regulator for more than 250 seaports to strengthen coastal security. 
• The move aims to bring private cargo-handling ports under a single, sovereign security framework and ensure a uniform, standardised security architecture across India’s maritime infrastructure.

Seaport Security in India: A Brief Overview

• Seaport security in India is a critical component of national security, economic stability, and international trade, particularly as the ports handle a vast majority of the country’s international trade.

Key Framework and Organisation

• International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code: India’s port security measures are largely compliant with the mandatory ISPS Code, a global framework established after 9/11 to safeguard ships and port facilities from terrorism and other threats.
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) – The New Regulator: In a significant recent reform, the Government of India has designated the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for ports.

Challenges to Port Security

• The security environment in the maritime domain presents several ongoing challenges:
  • Non-standardised Security: Historically, security arrangements at many non-major ports lacked uniformity and expert oversight, which the new CISF mandate aims to address.
  • Transnational Threats: Ports remain vulnerable to non-traditional threats, including:
    • Maritime Terrorism
    • Smuggling and Drug Trafficking (Ports are often routes for large hauls of narcotics).
    • Cyberattacks on port IT infrastructure and systems.
  • Infrastructure Gaps: Ensuring uniform, high-quality infrastructure and sufficient skilled manpower across over 250 ports remains an operational challenge.

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Centre Brings All Seaports Under Uniform Security Oversight

• To strengthen coastal security, the Union Government has appointed the CISF as the central security regulator for more than 250 seaports, including private cargo-handling ports. This brings all ports under a unified security architecture.
• In the first phase, 80 export-import (EXIM) ports will be placed under CISF control for access management, cargo screening, and waterfront patrolling. 
• CISF will function as a “sovereign security force” at these sites.

CISF to Conduct New Security Assessments

• For all EXIM ports CISF will carry out:
  • Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSA)
  • Port Facility Security Plans (PFSP)
• This will ensure compliance with global standards and eliminate vulnerabilities.

Hybrid Security Model for Port Operations

• A new multi-layered model has been proposed:
  • CISF → core security roles (access control, patrolling, screening)
  • State Police / SISF / Private Security → non-core duties (traffic, gate operations)
• This ensures uniformity while optimising manpower across port ecosystems.

Mandatory CISF-Led Training for Private Port Security

• A structured training programme—modeled on aviation security—will be implemented.
• CISF will train and certify all private security staff deployed at EXIM ports.
• The government plans to create a specialised Port Security Training Institute to build long-term capacity, standardise certifications, and professionalise the port security workforce.

Why the Change Matters

• India has over 250 seaports, including 80 EXIM ports that handle international trade through customs clearance, cargo movement, storage and logistics. 
• Until now, security across non-major ports was fragmented and inconsistent.
• Many ports currently rely on private security agencies or local police, resulting in uneven security standards. 
  • CISF already secures the 13 major ports across multiple coastal states.
• By expanding CISF’s mandate to regulation, assessment, planning and training, India aims to build secure, efficient and globally compliant EXIM gateways, boosting economic competitiveness and supporting its growing maritime footprint.

Source: TH | HT