India Aims To Boost Cruise Tourism With ASEAN Nations: Sarbananda Sonowal

New Delhi, July 1 (KNN) India is strengthening cooperation with ASEAN member nations to promote regional cruise tourism, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Monday. 

Speaking at the inaugural ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue, Sonowal emphasised India’s commitment to jointly develop new cruise circuits and boost maritime connectivity across the region.

“Together, we can establish an integrated cruise network linking India with ASEAN countries through modern ports, efficient tracking systems, and robust support mechanisms,” the minister said. 

The dialogue, hosted by India, saw participation from all ten ASEAN member nations—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—as well as Timor Leste.

Highlighting India’s cruise tourism ambitions, Sonowal announced plans to professionalise 5,000 kilometres of navigable waterways to enhance connectivity with Southeast Asia. 

He also noted that under the government’s Sagar Mala initiative, India aims to attract one million cruise passengers annually by 2029.

The sector has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with ship calls increasing from just 102 in 2013–14 to more than 14,000 currently, indicating rising interest in cruise tourism and the growing capacity of Indian ports.

The ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue marks a strategic step in building maritime linkages and fostering economic and cultural ties between India and Southeast Asia through sustainable tourism.

(KNN Bureau)