Latest news with #Indian-flagged
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
DG Shipping increases maritime security for Indian ports, terminals
The Directorate General of Shipping has increased maritime security for Indian ports, terminals, and Indian-flagged vessels to "MARSEC Level 2 or heightened security", considering the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, a senior government official said. The directive was issued on May 8, the official added. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Pak moving troops to border areas? All that's happening Why India chose to abstain instead of 'No Vote' against IMF billion-dollar funding to Pakistan How Pak's jihadi general Munir became trapped in his own vice The Directorate General of Shipping functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), forms a crucial part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention. It was adopted in response to growing global concerns over maritime security, especially in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. One of the core components of the ISPS Code is the classification of security levels. These levels are designed to ensure that ships and port facilities can operate securely under varying threat environments. Security Level 2 involves maintaining of appropriate additional protective security measures for a defined period of time, in response to a heightened risk. Live Events This level is activated before an incident occurs, often as a precautionary measure based on credible information. Level 2 requires escalation of standard procedures and close monitoring of threat updates. Earlier this month, India banned ships bearing the flag of Pakistan from visiting any Indian port. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of key maritime projects to ensure normal cargo movement . He directed officials to ensure that the business remains normal.
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Business Standard
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Maritime security raised to level 2 for Indian ports amid tensions
The Directorate General of Shipping has increased maritime security for Indian ports, terminals, and Indian-flagged vessels to "MARSEC Level 2 or heightened security", considering the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, a senior government official said. The directive was issued on May 8, the official added. The Directorate General of Shipping functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), forms a crucial part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention. It was adopted in response to growing global concerns over maritime security, especially in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. One of the core components of the ISPS Code is the classification of security levels. These levels are designed to ensure that ships and port facilities can operate securely under varying threat environments. Security Level 2 involves maintaining of appropriate additional protective security measures for a defined period of time, in response to a heightened risk. This level is activated before an incident occurs, often as a precautionary measure based on credible information. Level 2 requires escalation of standard procedures and close monitoring of threat updates. Earlier this month, India banned ships bearing the flag of Pakistan from visiting any Indian port. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of key maritime projects to ensure normal cargo movement. He directed officials to ensure that the business remains normal.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Shipping authority sounds warning bell
The Directorate General of Shipping has raised maritime security to MARSEC Level-2 , or 'heightened security', for all Indian ports, terminals, shipyards and Indian-flagged vessels, effective immediately, citing growing concerns over potential threats. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Missiles, shelling, and attacks — here's all that's happening Pakistani Air Force jet shot down in Pathankot by Indian Air Defence: Sources India on high alert: What's shut, who's on leave, and state-wise emergency measures This shift to MARSEC Level-2 of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code signals an elevated risk, requiring enhanced security measures. It is the mid-level of the maritime security system. The directive, issued on Thursday, referred to an April 24 advisory from the ministry of external affairs, which underlined the need for increased vigilance due to ongoing regional security concerns, including potential threats linked to India-Pakistan tensions . Ports across the country are conducting security checks on a daily basis in line with the MARSEC Level-2 alert, especially on the sensitive western coast, a senior port official said. "These checks include stricter access controls, vessel monitoring and screening of personnel and cargo," he said. "We are also stepping up cyber vigilance and running blackout drills to prepare for any eventuality." There are three MARSEC levels under the ISPS Code . Level 1 is the standard level with routine security measures in place. Level 2 is activated when there is a heightened risk of a security incident, requiring stricter checks and controls. Level 3 is the highest alert, used when a security threat is imminent or underway. Each level mandates a corresponding escalation in security protocols for ships and port facilities to safeguard maritime operations. The DG Shipping directive also requires all ports and terminals to conduct blackout tests and unannounced security drills to "test and reinforce preparedness" including to assess the "real-time response and coordination among security personnel". According to it, the chief information security officers of all the port facilities must review the security of IT and communications systems and take appropriate measures to prevent/mitigate the threats of cyberattacks. According to the DG Shipping, its directive must be complied with strictly and "any breach will be viewed seriously".
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Business Standard
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Ports, vessels on heightened maritime security measures, blackout protocols
Indian ports and vessels have been ordered to enforce heightened maritime security measures and blackout protocols amid rising tensions and a maritime threat looming large in the Arabian Sea. 'In light of recent developments and growing concerns regarding potential threat to Indian ports, coast, terminals and vessels, to emphasise the necessity of implementing additional protective measures during period of heightened security risks, it is hereby directed that all ports, terminals and shipyards, shall ensure heightened maritime measures, including elevation to ISPS security Level 2 with immediate effect. All Indian-flagged vessels operating in and near to the Indian subcontinent, and neighbouring countries, are required to elevate security to Level 2 and implement the applicable security measures according to the ship security plan,' a notice to all maritime stakeholders by India's shipping regulator Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) said. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Level-2, among other measures, includes enhanced monitoring of access points, stricter access controls, increased frequency of security patrols, and potentially searches of people, baggage, and vehicles. Ports and terminals have also been asked to conduct blackout tests and unannounced security drills to test and reinforce preparedness. Chief Information Security Officers of all port facilities will review their IT security systems to prevent any threats of cyberattacks. The shipping regulator earlier banned all vessels from Pakistan from docking at Indian ports. Transporters are also bracing for disruption. 'It is very early to quantifiably assess the impact on shipments. Blackout protocols in border states have brought disruptions to logistics. Additionally, several port facilities on the western coast have also been involved for military use, potentially impacting movement of cargo from these ports. We're expecting more disruptions going forward, and it is possible that added costs in terms of war risk premiums on marine insurance will come about,' said Dushyant Mulani, chairman of Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India. The government expects commercial maritime operations to continue normally. 'At Level-2, there should be no impact on commercial vessel movement. We have not reached that situation – if ever there is such a situation, a Level-3 is enforced where movement is restricted,' a senior regulatory official said on condition of anonymity. To ensure commercial operations are not impacted, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal conducted a high-level review meeting on Friday with officials from ports and other stakeholder departments. 'Considering the prevailing situation, the union minister took stock of key maritime projects and directed the officials to ensure that the business remains as usual. Sonowal also reviewed measures to be taken to ensure smooth and normal movement of cargo operations,' a statement by the minister's office said. Indian ports have already responded to the call for elevated security measures. Kolkata's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority said, 'To ensure full operational readiness, all leave of employees, (including contractual staff) stand cancelled from 10th May to 14th May 2025. Additionally employees are required to remain at headquarters, even during the days of weekly off. Pilots and dock pilots will be on high alert and ready for emergency evacuation from KDS and HDC, if necessary.' On the digital front, cybersecurity is also being enhanced.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Amid India-Pakistan tension, Air Force chief meets PM Modi
Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force, A.P. Singh, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday (May 4, 2025) even as tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack continued to be high. The meeting was also held amid growing cross-border skirmishes along Jammu and Kashmir. On April 29, PM Modi said that the Indian armed forces have his full confidence and 'complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing' of India's response in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. He was reported to have said this during a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Force Chief Air Marshal A.P. Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi. Twenty-six people were killed when a group of at least four terrorists struck the Baisaran meadow on April 22, selectively killing tourists on the basis of religion. One ponywala was also killed when he tried to protect the tourists. The Sunday meeting also took place within 24 hours of Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh. K. Tripathi meeting Mr. Modi and informing him about the overall situation in the critical Arabian Sea. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the Service chiefs had also held meetings with the Prime Minister. India is weighing its options to the Pahalgam terror attack, which it believes was planned in Pakistan. India has already taken several diplomatic measures, including suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. In retaliation, Pakistan banned Indian-flagged ships from entering its ports with immediate effect after New Delhi imposed fresh punitive measures, including a ban on the import of goods and entry of Pakistani vessels into its ports. The Hindu's Editorials The Hindu's Daily Quiz Who is the Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes? Hansraj Gangaram Ahir Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Vangala Eswaraiah D.P. Wadhwa To know the answer and to play the full quiz, click here .
