Charting New Waters: India and ASEAN Set Sail for Cruise Tourism
India and ASEAN are collaborating to develop cruise tourism circuits in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The initiative aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance cruise connectivity, and promote sustainable tourism. The first ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue was held to discuss these developments and future plans.

- Country:
- India
In a bid to boost maritime cooperation and tourism, India has announced its collaboration with ASEAN countries to develop new cruise tourism circuits in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted these plans during the inaugural ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai.
The dialogue was attended by delegates from ASEAN member nations, including Brunei, Cambodia, and Vietnam. A statement revealed the dialogue's aim to create an integrated cruise network linking Indian ports with ASEAN destinations, backed by modern terminals and real-time tracking technology.
Additionally, India seeks to professionalize 5,000 km of navigable waterways to further enhance cruise connectivity with the ASEAN region. The meeting also outlined visions for an ASEAN–India Cruise Tourism Corridor to align with broader maritime goals.
(With inputs from agencies.)