CISF to Oversee Security of Sea Ports Across India, Says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will now oversee the security of sea ports across the country , marking a significant step to strengthen India’s maritime security architecture .

Speaking at the 57th Raising Day celebrations of the CISF at Mundali in Odisha, Shah highlighted the expanding role of the force in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure . He said the CISF currently protects 361 vital installations , including 71 airports , the Parliament complex , and the Statue of Unity near Kevadia in Gujarat. In addition, the force provides security for dams and key railway installations across the country.

Announcing the new responsibility, Shah said the government has decided to bring port security under the CISF , aligning it with the country’s growing economic and strategic priorities. “After the CISF takes over the security of the ports, our maritime safety will improve in tandem with the country’s economic growth ,” he said.

As part of the move, the Centre has designated the CISF as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code , a global maritime security framework. With this designation, the CISF will act as the safety regulator for nearly 250 port facilities located along India’s maritime borders.

Until now, this responsibility was handled by the Indian Register of Shipping, a maritime classification society primarily involved in technical inspection and certification of ships and maritime infrastructure . The government decided that a professional paramilitary force would be better equipped to manage counter-terrorism and anti-sabotage operations at major export-import ports.

Shah also announced that the CISF has been designated as the nodal agency for drone security , with the Ministry of Home Affairs planning to create a dedicated vertical within the force to deal with emerging aerial threats.

Highlighting the force’s growing footprint, the home minister said several new locations have recently been approved for CISF security, including Kartavya Bhavan , Seva Teerth , Noida International Airport , Navi Mumbai Airport , and key energy and mining projects such as the Talaipalli coal mine project in Chhattisgarh .

The decision reflects the government’s broader push to modernise India’s security framework and ensure robust protection for critical infrastructure supporting the country’s expanding economy and trade network.