First ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue 2025 Inaugurated in Chennai to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation.
National
In June 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, heading the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), inaugurated the first ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The dialogue marked a major diplomatic and tourism milestone to enhance maritime ties and cruise tourism between India and ASEAN countries.
- The dialogue featured over 30 high-level delegates from all ten ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, Singapore, Cambodia, and Laos PDR, as well as Timor Leste. The event focused on strengthening Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific maritime engagement.
- Held under the Sagar Mala Initiative launched in 2015, the Government of India aims to expand 5,000 kilometres of navigable inland waterways.
- The focus is on increasing cruise connectivity with ASEAN nations through improved port infrastructure, passenger terminals, and water-based transport systems to support regional maritime tourism and trade.
Main Point :- (i) The cruise dialogue highlighted cooperation in sustainable tourism, port-led development, and cross-border cruise circuits. The sessions discussed investment opportunities, cruise route design, private sector partnerships, and new tourist circuits in the Indo-Pacific to connect heritage destinations across India and Southeast Asian maritime routes.
(ii) The platform served to align policy frameworks, infrastructure planning, and regulatory processes. Delegates shared best practices on port management, cruise ship operations, and visa facilitation to ease travel. Discussions also emphasized upgrading terminals, standardizing regulations, and attracting more cruise lines through better connectivity and services.
(iii) The Government announced its goal to reach 1 million cruise passengers annually by 2029, a sharp increase from just 14,000 in 2025. Ship calls are expected to rise significantly through modern ports, better tourism infrastructure, and collaboration with ASEAN nations to build India into a leading cruise tourism hub.
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