“India to work with ASEAN nations to develop Cruise Tourism Hub of Global South”: Sarbananda Sonowal
CHENNAI : Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated first-ever ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue and said, “India is committed to work closely with ASEAN member nations to co-operate and co-promote new cruise circuits connecting our vibrant coastal cities and cultural destinations. This dialogue is likely to explore the region to become the hub of cruise tourism of the Global South. Together, we can establish an integrated cruise network linking India with ASEAN countries, through modern ports, efficient tracking systems and robust support mechanisms.”
The dialogue serves as a high-level platform for collaboration on cruise tourism, port infrastructure development, regulatory alignment, and the identification of cruise routes connecting cultural and commercial centres across the Bay of Bengal and beyond. It also envisions the establishment of an ASEAN–India Cruise Tourism Corridor, aligned with India’s larger maritime vision. 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, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, 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 private as well as regional level, this meet 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, which includes 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.