India hosts first ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue to boost regional maritime connectivity and tourism
The dialogue is envisioned as a recurring multilateral platform aimed at enhancing people-to-people ties
India has inaugurated the first-ever ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai, as reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS. The two-day meeting, opened by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is attended by official delegations from all ASEAN member states.
The dialogue brought together over 30 high-level delegates, including policymakers and maritime experts, to explore new avenues for cruise connectivity, infrastructure cooperation, and regional tourism integration. The event will continue in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, focusing on heritage-led tourism and deeper regional engagement.
The Indian Government has outlined plans to professionalise 5,000 kilometres of navigable waterways to enhance cruise connectivity with ASEAN nations, aligning with national development goals under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
According to Minister Sonowal, the programme has led to a dramatic rise in ship calls, from 102 in 2013–14 to over 14,000, supported by key policy reforms and port modernisation efforts.
According to the source, delegates are examining regulatory alignment, connectivity gaps, and best practices to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in the regional cruise industry.
The ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue is envisioned as a recurring multilateral platform aimed at enhancing people-to-people ties and positioning India and ASEAN as central hubs of cruise tourism in the Global South.
Photo: iStock
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