India has ramped up security measures at its seaports and airports due to increasing tensions with Pakistan, following a series of military clashes that have raised fears of a wider conflict. The Indian government has ordered all seaports, shipyards, and wharves to implement heightened security protocols, particularly after suspending civilian flights at 24 airports in the northern regions of the country.
On May 8, 2025, the Indian Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) issued a directive mandating that the entire port system, including Indian-flagged ships operating in the subcontinent and neighboring countries, must elevate their maritime security (MARSEC) from level 1 to level 2. This measure is part of a national effort to address escalating maritime threats, implemented following recommendations from the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In the wake of this directive, ports and shipyards are required to adopt enhanced security measures, which include enforcing regulations and recommendations based on the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. This international standard aims to bolster security for seaports and ships worldwide. Additionally, ports must conduct emergency response drills to evaluate their readiness for real-world scenarios.
As tensions escalated, Indian media reported that this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches have been indefinitely suspended due to security concerns. The decision came after authorities canceled a match scheduled for the evening of May 8 in Dharamsala, near Jammu, following explosions earlier that day.
The situation on the India-Pakistan border has become increasingly volatile. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, allowing missile strikes into Pakistani territory and the Pakistan-controlled region of Kashmir. The Indian government claims these strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure linked to a deadly attack on April 22 that killed 26 tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
In response to the escalating conflict, Pakistan has reported shooting down several Indian aircraft and has warned of strong retaliation. Pakistani military sources indicated on May 9 that they had downed 77 Indian drones over the past two days. Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan expressed concern that the current developments could lead to a large-scale conflict.
According to the Hindustan Times, the airports affected by the suspension include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Jaisalmer, and Shimla, among others. Many airlines have announced that flights from these airports will be suspended until at least the end of May 10, 2025. Airlines have advised passengers to arrive early for security checks, with IndiGo urging travelers to allow extra time due to strict security measures being implemented.
SpiceJet and Akasa Air have echoed these sentiments, recommending that passengers arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure. Earlier, on April 7, IndiGo had already canceled 165 flights, while Air India and Air India Express reported similar cancellations. Two international flights from Air India departing from Amritsar had to divert to New Delhi due to the sudden closure of the Amritsar airport.
The tensions reached a critical point on the evening of May 8, when Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks targeting areas in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The Indian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the attacks originated from Pakistan and stated that Indian air defense systems successfully intercepted some of the missiles and UAVs.
This series of events underscores the fragile state of relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, both of whom have a long history of conflict and military engagements. The recent military actions and heightened security measures reflect the gravity of the situation, as both nations navigate a precarious path amid rising tensions.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how both governments will respond to the escalating threats and whether diplomatic efforts can be reignited to prevent further conflict. The international community is watching closely, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities that could lead to a more stable and peaceful region.
