First-Ever ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue Held in Chennai to Promote Tourism and Maritime Collaboration

First-Ever ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue Held in Chennai to Promote Tourism and Maritime Collaboration

Diplomat Today0

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday inaugurated the inaugural ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai, marking a major step forward in strengthening maritime collaboration between India and Southeast Asian countries.

The dialogue, hosted on board the MV Empress at Chennai Port, convened over 30 delegates from all ten ASEAN member states and Timor Leste. The discussions focused on improving cruise connectivity, advancing sustainable tourism, and deepening cultural and economic ties across the Indo-Pacific region.

Minister Sonowal highlighted India’s goal to develop 5,000 km of navigable waterways and increase annual cruise passenger traffic to one million by 2029 as part of the Sagarmala initiative. He also detailed plans for an integrated cruise network connecting Indian and ASEAN ports, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

“Our shared goal is to establish a sustainable cruise circuit connecting the culturally rich coastal regions of India and ASEAN, positioning the region as a leading cruise tourism hub for the Global South,” the Minister stated.

The two-day dialogue features thematic sessions focused on investment opportunities and cruise tourism circuits, with proceedings continuing in Mamallapuram—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delegates will tour historic temples and monuments, showcasing the rich potential of India’s coastal tourism.

Minister of State Shantanu Thakur emphasized ASEAN’s pivotal role in India’s Act East Policy and reaffirmed India’s dedication to renewing its historic maritime connections through the promotion of cruise tourism and the development of the blue economy.

The event also featured participation from senior government representatives and industry leaders. The Indian government aims to establish the ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue as a regular platform to promote regional cruise tourism and strengthen maritime collaboration.

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