CISF Latest News
- 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.
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.
CISF FAQs
Q1: Why has the government assigned CISF to secure over 250 seaports?
Ans: The government aims to establish a uniform, sovereign security architecture to address security gaps at private and non-major ports, improving accountability, assessment, and oversight nationwide.
Q2: What will CISF’s role be at the 80 EXIM ports?
Ans: CISF will manage core functions such as access control, cargo screening, and waterfront patrolling while conducting fresh security assessments and preparing Port Facility Security Plans.
Q3: What is the hybrid security model for ports?
Ans: Under this model, CISF manages core security duties, while State Police, SISF, or private agencies handle non-core tasks like traffic operations, improving efficiency and layered security.
Q4: Why is mandatory CISF-led training being introduced?
Ans: Training ensures uniform skill standards for private security personnel deployed at ports, following an aviation-style certification system to uphold national and international security norms.
Q5: How will this reform strengthen India’s maritime security?
Ans: By standardising procedures, assessments, and training across 250+ seaports, India builds a cohesive, high-quality security system vital for coastal protection and global trade competitiveness.
