Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, delineates a technology-centric approach to enhance India's maritime security architecture, addressing concerns of cyber threats, drone incursions, supply chain vulnerabilities, and digital infrastructure risks.
In his keynote address at the 2nd National Port Security Conference 2026 in New Delhi, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the need for a technology-led transformation of India's maritime security architecture. The Minister highlighted that with the country's expanding port network and increasing role in global trade, resilient, integrated, and advanced security systems are crucial to counter emerging cyber and geopolitical threats. He underscored the importance of measuring ports not only by cargo throughput and operational efficiency but also by their ability to withstand evolving security risks.
The Minister urged maritime stakeholders to adopt advanced technologies, strengthen institutional coordination, and build a future-ready security ecosystem that supports India's long-term maritime ambitions. He emphasized that cyberattacks, drone incursions, supply chain vulnerabilities, and threats to digital infrastructure have made maritime security a strategic imperative rather than merely an operational requirement.
In addition, the Minister discussed the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, which will provide a dedicated institutional framework for strengthening regulatory oversight, standardizing security practices, and improving coordination among maritime agencies. He also highlighted digital initiatives such as e-Samudra, the Maritime Single Window, and the One Nation One Port Process, stating that India's transition towards smart ports must be accompanied by equally robust cybersecurity and risk management systems.
Secretary, MoPSW, Vijay Kumar advocated a 'Security by Design' approach, calling for security to be integrated into every stage of port development. Secretary (Border Management), Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, stressed greater use of technology and inter-agency coordination to address emerging cyber, drone, and transnational maritime security threats.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
