The Indian government has established the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) as a statutory body under Section 13 of the new Merchant Shipping Act 2025. Modeled after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, BoPS will operate under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. It will oversee security at ships and port facilities across India. Currently, multiple agencies like the Coast Guard, CISF, State maritime police, and Navy share coastal security duties. This leads to coordination problems and possible security gaps. BoPS will serve as the single body for regulatory oversight and cooperation. BoPS's responsibilities include addressing maritime terrorism, arms smuggling, drug and human trafficking, poaching, piracy, illegal migration, and cybersecurity threats. It will have a dedicated unit to protect port IT infrastructure from digital attacks and work closely with national cybersecurity agencies. As a statutory authority, BoPS can enforce compliance with global standards such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Under its framework, the CISF is the recognised Security Organisation to prepare plans, conduct security checks, and train private agencies at major and non-major ports. Security measures will be applied in graded phases. India’s maritime sector has surged in the past decade. Cargo handled by ports grew from 974 million tonnes in 2014 to 1,594 million tonnes in 2025. Port capacity rose 57%, and ship turnaround time halved to 48 hours, matching global norms. Coastal shipping volumes jumped 118%, and inland waterway cargo moved up eight times from 18.1 million tonnes in 2014 to 145.5 million tonnes in 2025. India has 12 major and 217 non-major ports as of 2025. Major ports are run by the Union government, and they handle 53% of cargo. Non-major ports, including private ones like Mundra and Sikka, handle the rest. This growth is part of the Maritime India Vision 2030, aiming to modernise ports, enhance shipping, boost inland waterways, promote green shipping, and make India a maritime leader. BoPS fits into this vision by ensuring secure and modern port infrastructure. The older Indian Ports Act of 1908 has been replaced by new laws like the Indian Ports Act 2025 and Coastal Shipping Act 2025. These laws update port security, support coastal trade, simplify regulations, and encourage eco-friendly sea transport. However, some states have criticised the new laws for increasing Union government control over state-owned ports, calling it a “silent cost to maritime federalism.” The laws have also been questioned for allowing extensive inspection powers without clear judicial safeguards. These concerns relate to legislation, not BoPS itself. "The BoPS will monitor, counter, and deter such intrusions and coordinate with national cybersecurity agencies," states the new framework, signalling a focused push on port safety and security as India’s maritime trade blossoms.