Mundali (Odisha), March 6, 2026 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will now oversee security at sea ports across the country, marking a significant expansion of the force’s responsibilities in safeguarding India’s strategic infrastructure.
Addressing the 57th Raising Day celebrations of the CISF at Mundali in Odisha, Shah highlighted the growing role of the paramilitary force in protecting key national assets. He noted that CISF currently secures 361 critical installations, including 71 airports, the Parliament House, and the iconic Statue of Unity.
“The CISF undertakes such a variety of tasks. You are securing the grand monument of Sardar Patel, protecting our Parliament complex — the largest panchayat of our democracy — and safeguarding dams and critical railway installations,” Shah said.
Emphasizing the government’s strategic focus on strengthening maritime and aerial defence, the Home Minister said the Centre has decided to entrust CISF with the security of ports across India. He expressed confidence that this move would enhance maritime safety alongside the country’s expanding economic and trade activities.
Shah also announced that the CISF has been designated as the nodal agency for drone security in the country. To support this new responsibility, the Ministry of Home Affairs will create a dedicated vertical within the force to manage drone-related threats and security challenges.
Highlighting the force’s expanding operational footprint, Shah listed several new installations approved for CISF protection. These include Kartavya Bhavan, Seva Teerth, Noida International Airport, Navi Mumbai Airport, and major energy and mining projects such as the Talaipalli coal mine project in Chhattisgarh.
The development follows the Centre’s decision to designate CISF as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). With this designation, the force will act as the safety regulator for nearly 250 facilities located along India’s maritime borders.
Earlier, this role was handled by the Indian Register of Shipping, but the government felt the need for a professional paramilitary agency capable of performing specialised security tasks, including counter-terrorism and anti-sabotage operations at major export-import ports.
Officials believe the move will significantly strengthen security at India’s maritime gateways, which are vital for trade, logistics, and national economic growth.
