On July 1, 2025, India took a major step toward increasing both regional connectivity and tourism by hosting the first-ever ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai. This inaugural ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue was hosted onboard the cruise ship MV Empress at Chennai Port. The dialogue had over 30 delegates from all 10 ASEAN Member Countries and Timor Leste whose goal was to discuss maritime cooperation, sustainable tourism, and economic integration across the Indo-Pacific as part of regional connectivity initiatives.
Why is this in News?
The ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue is organized for the first time in history and illustrates India’s strategic approach to revive ancient maritime links, create cruise circuits, and contribute to sustainable blue economy with Sagarmala and Act East Policy initiatives. This was a milestone in strengthening cruise tourism and the realization of India as a cruise network hub.
Objectives and vision
• Strengthening cooperation between India and ASEAN nations for maritime initiatives
• Promoting sustainable coastal and cruise tourism
• Promoting economic and cultural integration within the Indo-Pacific region.
• Contributing to India’s Sagarmala initiative and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045
Key trends
• Hosted onboard MV Empress at Chennai Port
• Participation from over 30 delegates representing 10 ASEAN Member countries and Timor Leste.
• Dialogue to continue in Mamallapuram as a UNESCO world heritage site for delegates to visit historic monuments.
• Development of cruise tourism circuits.
Ministerial perspectives
• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reported to professionalize 5,000 km of navigable waterways.
• Ministry of shipping’s vision to 1 million cruise passengers by 2029.
• Cruise network to align with Viksit Bharat 2047 and ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
• Minister of State Shantanu Thakur reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN in India’s Act East Policy and its ancient maritime links.
