India Hosts First ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue to Strengthen Maritime Ties
In a landmark step to enhance regional connectivity and tourism, India hosted the first-ever ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai on July 1, 2025. Organized aboard the cruise ship MV Empress at Chennai Port, the dialogue witnessed participation from over 30 delegates representing all 10 ASEAN nations and Timor Leste, aiming to bolster maritime cooperation, sustainable tourism, and economic integration across the Indo-Pacific.
The ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue has been organized for the first time in history, highlighting India’s strategic efforts to revive ancient maritime links, develop cruise circuits, and promote the blue economy under initiatives like Sagarmala and Act East Policy. It marks a major step toward strengthening cruise tourism and positioning India as a hub for regional cruise networks.
Thematic sessions on,
| Summary/Static | Details |
| Why in the news? | First ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue |
| Participants | Delegates from 10 ASEAN countries + Timor Leste |
| Key Ministries Involved | Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways |
| Focus Areas | Cruise connectivity, investment, tourism circuits, heritage promotion |
| Associated Policies | Act East Policy, Sagarmala, Viksit Bharat 2047 |
| Cruise Passenger Target | 1 million annually by 2029 |
| Follow-up Location | Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu (Heritage Site Visit) |
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