Addressing the 2nd National Port Security Conference 2026, Sonowal said India’s ports must be assessed not only on cargo throughput and operational efficiency, but also on their ability to withstand emerging cyber, technological and geopolitical threats.   “Safe ports create strong trade. Strong trade creates a strong economy. And a strong economy builds a strong nation,” the minister said.   Sonowal highlighted the growing risks posed by cyberattacks, drone incursions, supply-chain vulnerabilities and threats to digital infrastructure, noting that maritime security has evolved from an operational concern into a strategic national imperative.

He said the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), established under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, would provide a dedicated institutional framework to strengthen regulatory oversight, standardise security practices and enhance coordination among maritime agencies.   The minister also highlighted digital initiatives including e-Samudra, the Maritime Single Window and One Nation One Port Process, stressing that India’s transition towards smart and digitally enabled ports must be matched by equally robust cybersecurity, risk-management and resilience measures.

Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Vijay Kumar, advocated adopting a “Security by Design” approach, under which security considerations are integrated into every stage of port planning, development and operations.   Rajendra Kumar, Secretary (Border Management), Ministry of Home Affairs, called for greater deployment of advanced technologies and stronger inter-agency coordination to tackle emerging cyber, drone and transnational maritime security threats.   The conference brought together around 140 participants, including senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of Home Affairs, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, State Maritime Boards, Major Port Authorities, non-major ports and industry representatives.

The deliberations focused on emerging security challenges confronting India’s maritime sector and the need to build a coordinated, technology-enabled and resilient port security ecosystem capable of supporting the country’s expanding maritime and trade ambitions.