India is set to collaborate with ASEAN to establish cruise tourism routes in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, as announced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during the inaugural ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue. Representatives from all ASEAN member countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, and Indonesia, gathered at Chennai Port aboard the cruise ship MV Empress to partake in this significant meeting.
The Ports, Shipping and Waterways minister highlighted plans to professionalize 5,000 km of navigable waterways to enhance connectivity with ASEAN nations. This dialogue aims to bolster maritime cooperation, improve cruise connections, and foster sustainable tourism across the Indo-Pacific region.
Attended by over 30 representatives from ASEAN nations, discussions focused on cruise tourism, port infrastructure, regulatory alignment, and identifying new cruise routes to connect cultural and commercial hubs in the Bay of Bengal and beyond. The initiative aligns with India’s broader maritime strategy, envisioning an ASEAN-India Cruise Tourism Corridor.
Minister Sonowal noted the Sagar Mala initiative aims for one million cruise passengers by 2029, with cruise ship calls increasing dramatically from 102 in 2013-14 to 14,272 currently. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships to further boost connectivity and streamline customs and immigration processes along India’s coast.
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