What happened?
On 1 July 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the first ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue aboard the MV Empress at Chennai Port. Delegates from all 10 ASEAN nations and Timor Leste participated. The event included sessions on investment, cruise tourism, and sustainable connectivity across the Indo-Pacific. It will continue in Mamallapuram, highlighting India’s cultural heritage.
Why it matters to India
The dialogue aligns with India’s Act East Policy and Sagarmala initiative, aiming to professionalise inland waterways and boost cruise tourism. With plans to raise annual cruise traffic to 1 million passengers by 2029, India seeks to emerge as a hub for sustainable maritime tourism. Strengthening ASEAN maritime ties supports regional integration, economic development, and cultural diplomacy in line with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.