The Union Government has designated the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the security regulator for over 250 seaports in India.
A “sovereign entity” will now manage security at private cargo-handling seaports, bringing all ports under a uniform security system.
At least 80 major EXIM seaports will initially be regulated by CISF for access control, cargo screening, and seafront patrolling.
CISF already secures 13 major seaports, but many others currently rely on private agencies or local police without a unified security template.
The move follows guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the CISF’s designation as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) under the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code.