06/08/2026
India’s Maritime Security Vision Gets Stronger
The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) welcomes the inspiring and forward-looking addresses delivered at the National Port Security Conference 2026, which together reinforce India’s commitment to a safe, secure and future-ready maritime ecosystem.
We particularly acknowledge the address of Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), who outlined a comprehensive national vision to strengthen India’s maritime security architecture by addressing both traditional and emerging threats. From combating smuggling, stowaways and unauthorised access to building resilience against cyberattacks and protecting critical port infrastructure, the roadmap presented is both robust and future-ready.
Equally significant was the address of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, who emphasized that safe ports build strong trade, a strong economy and a strong nation — and that security must move at the same pace as development. He highlighted that port security today extends far beyond physical protection to include cyber threats, drones, supply chain disruptions and risks to digital infrastructure, calling for a “security-by-design” approach embedded into maritime planning and technology from the outset.
The Hon’ble Minister also underscored the importance of the Merchant Shipping Act 2025 and the proposed Bureau of Port Security (BOPS) as key institutional reforms to strengthen coordination among the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, CISF, DGMA, Marine Police, Customs, intelligence agencies, state governments, port authorities and the maritime industry. He rightly emphasized that port security is a shared responsibility and that India’s strength will depend on seamless coordination among all stakeholders.
Referring to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), he reaffirmed that growth and security are mutually reinforcing pillars of India’s maritime future. He also expressed deep appreciation for all security agencies and called upon coastal states and Union Territories to play an active role in strengthening port security within their jurisdictions.
Particularly reassuring for the Indian seafaring community was DGMA’s emphasis on safeguarding Indian seafarers during times of geopolitical uncertainty. His commitment to crisis response, casualty management, safe repatriation and close coordination with maritime and security agencies reflects the Government of India’s unwavering focus on “Seafarer First.”
The proposed initiatives—including:
100% ISPS compliance across EXIM ports
A National Centre of Excellence for Port Security
Maritime cyber resilience and intelligence-sharing mechanisms
Geospatial certification platforms
The upcoming India Maritime Compliance Code
Integration of cybersecurity with the national command and control framework
Stronger institutional coordination while maintaining ease of doing business
Security-by-design integration in maritime infrastructure
- will significantly enhance India’s position as a secure, resilient and globally trusted maritime nation.
NUSI appreciates the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Director General of Maritime Administration Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, and the entire maritime security ecosystem for their continued commitment to safer ports, protected seafarers and a stronger maritime India.
Together, we move towards a Secure Maritime India, where national security, seafarer welfare and sustainable maritime growth go hand in hand.
Jai Hind Jai Navik
