Description

In a historic move to advance regional cooperation in tourism and maritime connectivity, India hosted the maiden ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue on July 1, 2025, in Chennai. The event, held aboard the luxury cruise vessel MV Empress docked at Chennai Port, brought together more than 30 delegates from all 10 ASEAN nations along with Timor Leste, laying the foundation for a stronger maritime partnership across the Indo-Pacific.

This is the first time that India has convened a dedicated platform to discuss cruise tourism cooperation with ASEAN countries. The dialogue aligns with India’s broader vision of reviving ancient maritime trade routes, enhancing regional tourism, and developing the blue economy through key government-led initiatives such as the Sagarmala Programme and the Act East Policy.

Key Objectives Of Cruise Dialogue

• Strengthen maritime and tourism cooperation between India and ASEAN member states

• Promote sustainable and inclusive cruise tourism across coastal regions

• Support regional connectivity and cultural exchange through coastal infrastructure and cruise circuits

• Align with India’s development goals under Viksit Bharat 2047 and ASEAN’s Community Vision 2045

Highlights Of Event

• Hosted aboard MV Empress, a luxury cruise liner, at Chennai Port

• Participated by delegates from 10 ASEAN countries and Timor Leste

• The second leg of the dialogue will take place in Mamallapuram, featuring visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites

• The dialogue featured thematic sessions on:

  • Infrastructure investment for cruise ports

  • Development of integrated cruise tourism circuits

  • Opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPPs)

  • Cultural heritage tourism and sustainable development

Statements From Key Ministers

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the government’s focus on utilizing 5,000 km of navigable inland waterways, and shared the vision of increasing cruise passenger traffic to 10 lakh (1 million) annually by 2029.

• He emphasized aligning the cruise tourism network with the goals of Viksit Bharat @2047 and ASEAN Community Vision 2045, aiming for inclusive growth and environmental sustainability.

• Minister of State Shantanu Thakur reaffirmed the strategic role of ASEAN in India's Act East Policy, citing ancient maritime trade routes and civilizational ties as the foundation for this renewed partnership.

Static Background And Related Schemes

• Sagarmala Project: Launched to modernize port infrastructure, promote port-led development, and boost coastal shipping and inland waterways.

• Act East Policy: India’s initiative to strengthen economic, cultural, and strategic relations with Southeast and East Asian countries.

• Viksit Bharat @2047: India’s long-term vision to become a developed nation by its centenary year of independence.

Strategic And Economic Significance

• Establishes India’s intent to become a cruise tourism hub in the Indo-Pacific

• Enhances people-to-people ties through cultural tourism and exchange

• Promotes foreign direct investment in maritime and tourism sectors

• Integrates India’s coastline into the broader regional cruise tourism ecosystem

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