India’s maritime sector is entering a phase of rapid expansion, with growing port capacity, rising cargo volumes, expanding logistics networks and the development of new maritime infrastructure. As the country seeks to strengthen its position as a global maritime power, the security of its ports and associated infrastructure is emerging as an increasingly important component of this transformation. At various recent industry events, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, discussed India’s shipping capabilities, maritime infrastructure and the security requirements accompanying the sector’s expansion. He also emphasised that national security is a collective responsibility and called for a comprehensive institutional framework for port security. Edited excerpts…
Expanding maritime infrastructure
The government is pursuing capacity expansion through major port and maritime infrastructure projects. Vadhavan Port is expected to have a container-handling capacity of 23.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and a cargo-handling capacity of 300 million tonnes. The project is also expected to support port-led industrialisation and city development, with significant employment generation. Galathea Bay is being developed with a transshipment focus and is expected to have over 15 million TEUs of capacity.
These developments form part of the broader effort to build the infrastructure required to support India’s maritime ambitions and enhance the country’s position in international shipping and logistics.
Besides, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in association with private stakeholders under the public-private partnership model, is working towards large-scale investment in the maritime sector. The ministry’s role is particularly significant given the contribution of maritime transport to India’s trade. Shipping handles approximately 95 per cent of India’s export-import cargo by volume and 70 per cent by value.
“Measures relating to fiscal reform, assured cargo support, competitive financing, regulatory streamlining and ease of doing business will be important for strengthening Indian tonnage and supporting the expansion of the national fleet.”
Focus on shipbuilding
Shipbuilding has emerged as a key area requiring accelerated development. India currently ranks 16th globally in shipbuilding, and the government has set an objective to place the country among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047. A shipbuilding target of 4.5 million tonnes has been set as part of its longer-term maritime development strategy.
Recent measures announced through the union budget are expected to support shipyards and other organisations operating across the shipbuilding ecosystem. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra have been part of the efforts to strengthen shipbuilding capacity.
Moreover, developing domestic capabilities would require not only infrastructure and investment but also a strong and skilled workforce. A self-reliant shipbuilding industry would require trained personnel capable of building ships across different categories and meeting the technical requirements of a modern maritime industry. The development of human resources, therefore, remains an important component of the government’s maritime ambitions.
Security as an integral component of maritime development
India has historically been closely connected with the sea through trade, commerce and cultural exchanges. With the development of the maritime sector under initiatives such as Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the country’s maritime footprint is expanding significantly.
This expansion has to be accompanied by a corresponding strengthening of security capabilities. Ports can no longer be assessed only on the basis of cargo-handling capacity, efficiency and turnaround time. Their ability to withstand emerging security risks and maintain resilient operations is becoming equally important. Safe ports create strong trade, strong trade creates a strong economy and a strong economy builds a strong nation.
The changing security environment has also expanded the scope of port security. While physical protection of port facilities remains important, the sector is now required to address a broader range of risks, including cyberattacks, drone incursions, supply chain disruptions, vulnerabilities in digital networks and threats to critical information infrastructure. This evolving risk landscape requires a security framework that is capable of anticipating threats, adapting to changing circumstances and enabling coordinated responses among different agencies and stakeholders.
The government’s focus extends to the safety, security and welfare of seafarers working on both Indian-flag and foreign-flag vessels. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) provides guidance and support to seafarers in this regard. In addition, the availability of welfare schemes administered through the DGS is intended to support the interests of seafarers, with the relevant department providing information and assistance to those seeking details.
Moving towards “Security by Design”
There is a need to integrate security into the planning and development of maritime infrastructure rather than treating it as an additional requirement after projects have been completed.
The government is, therefore, moving towards a “Security by Design” approach, under which security considerations are incorporated into the planning, design, technology and operational stages of ports, terminals and digital systems. This approach will assume greater significance as Indian ports become increasingly automated and digitally integrated. Initiatives such as e-Samudra, the Maritime Single Window and the One Nation, One Port Process are intended to make the maritime ecosystem more integrated, transparent and efficient.
Smart ports must also be cyber-secure ports. As artificial intelligence, automation and digital platforms become more prominent across maritime operations, cybersecurity and resilience will need to be integral to the deployment of new technologies.
The provision for a Bureau of Port Security under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 is regarded as an important institutional reform. The proposed body is intended to strengthen institutional capacity, improve regulatory oversight and enhance coordination among the stakeholders responsible for port security.
It is expected to support better preparedness and more effective implementation of security standards across ports. The need for such coordination is particularly significant given the number of agencies involved in protecting port infrastructure and maritime operations.
Building a skilled maritime workforce
The development of maritime infrastructure must be accompanied by the creation of a capable and adequately trained workforce. An arrangement had been implemented through the Shipping Corporation of India, under which a single ship can accommodate up to 200 trainees.
However, the issue of fraudulent recruitment practices remains a key concern. Cadets who face such issues can file complaints through eNavik, enabling the DGS to take appropriate action. Training institutes have also been urged to make cadets more aware of the available mechanisms and regulatory measures.
Strengthening training capacity and ensuring adequate opportunities for practical experience will be important for developing a skilled maritime workforce capable of supporting India’s long-term growth ambitions in shipping and related activities.
The way ahead
As the country works towards the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the focus will need to remain on translating these objectives into actionable measures across ports, shipping, shipbuilding, waterways, logistics and maritime services.
Strengthening India’s maritime capabilities will require sustained collaboration among government agencies, industry, port authorities, training institutions, seafarers, security agencies and other stakeholders.
In shipping, measures relating to fiscal reform, assured cargo support, competitive financing, regulatory streamlining and ease of doing business will be important for strengthening Indian tonnage and supporting the expansion of the national fleet. At the same time, continued investment in shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure and human resource development will create greater opportunities for the younger generation entering the sector.
Security will need to remain an integral part of this development process. With ports becoming increasingly connected to national logistics and trade systems, security considerations will have to be incorporated into the planning, design and operation of maritime infrastructure. The proposed Bureau of Port Security is expected to provide an institutional framework for strengthening regulatory oversight and coordination, while greater collaboration among central and state agencies, security organisations, port authorities and industry will be important for effective implementation.
The growing adoption of digital platforms and emerging technologies will also require corresponding attention to cybersecurity and resilience.
Going forward, the simultaneous strengthening of maritime capacity, competitiveness, workforce development, seafarer welfare and security will remain central to building a resilient and future-ready maritime ecosystem. Sustained stakeholder participation and coordinated implementation will be important to support India’s long-term maritime objectives and its ambition to emerge as a leading maritime nation.
“As artificial intelligence, automation and digital platforms become more prominent across maritime operations, cybersecurity and resilience will need to be integral to the deployment of new technologies.”
