Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 30(ANI): The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated first-ever ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue on Monday at Chennai.

The meet hosted by India is being attended by all the member nations of ASEAN; i.e. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with Timor Leste.

The dialogue aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance cruise connectivity, and promote sustainable tourism across the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting was held aboard the MV Empress (Cordelia Cruise ship) at Chennai Port, with more than 30 delegates from ASEAN countries. Along with the stakeholders and senior officials from the MoPSW, the event will continue in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said India plans to professionalise 5,000 km of navigable waterways to enhance cruise connectivity with ASEAN nations.

Speaking at the inaugural ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai, Sonowal noted that the Sagar Mala initiative aims for one million cruise passengers by 2029, with ship calls rising sharply from 102 in 2013-14 to over 14,000 today, driven by policy reforms, tax measures, and improved port infrastructure.

Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted, 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to boost coastal connectivity and modernise customs and immigration can be achieved with greater cooperation. Two thematic sessions are guiding the discussions on 'ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund: Trade & Investment' and on 'ASEAN-India Cruise Tourist Circuits: Cruise Tourism.'

Speaking further, Sonowal said, 'Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cruise Bharat Mission, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aim to position India as a global leader in cruise tourism, offering exceptional and affordable cruising experiences. With more collaboration and cooperation, both at the private as well as regional level, this meeting can power the cruise tourism to realise its transformative potential to act as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange and employment generation across the region.' India and ASEAN nations can together become the hub of cruise tourism of the Global South.'

The participants, who include policy leaders as well as industry leaders from the region, are also deliberating on connectivity gaps, regulatory best practices, and pathways to promote inclusive and sustainable cruise growth in the region.

The Government of India envisions the ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue as a recurring multilateral forum that will serve as a strategic enabler for regional maritime growth and people-to-people connectivity. This edition marks a significant step in positioning India and ASEAN at the centre of cruise tourism in the Indo-Pacific.

During the two-day meeting, the dialogue will also visit Mamallapuram, with sessions on heritage-led cruise tourism and deeper ASEAN-India collaboration. Delegates will also tour the shore temples and rock-cut monuments, highlighting India's cultural and coastal tourism appeal.

The ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue 2025 supports national goals under the 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047' and National Cruise Tourism Strategy, underscoring India's commitment to stronger maritime partnerships and modern cruise infrastructure. (ANI)