Latest news with #ASEAN-IndiaCruiseDialogue
India Gazette
07-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Exploring all possibilities to achieve better connectivity with Bay of Bengal: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 7 (ANI): The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasised exploring all possibilities to achieve better connectivity through waterways with the Bay of Bengal to benefit people of North-East who are in the trading sector. Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'All the possibilities which are accessible to the northeast region under the Act East policy are because of PM Modi's dedicated leadership. Like the other ministries, our ministry of port shipping and water is trying to explore all possibilities to achieve better connectivity with the Bay of Bengal through waterways. We have the Bangladesh protocol route and the other one is Sittwe, and from Mizoram connecting Kaladan River and making possible the connectivity with Sittwe port and which will give access to the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. This way, people of the northeast will get the best connecting facilities.' He further said that this is possible only because PM's Act East Policy. 'The Prime Minister wants that North East should become the growth engine for India, and he also termed it because of the available potential that it is the Ashta Lakshmi of India, and North East should become the hub of entire South East Asia in all aspects. Sittwe port has already been built and it has become operational. Now the Kaladan 159 km land and other parts connecting to Mizoram, 110 kms by road is under construction and is going to be completed by 2027. This is going to strengthen us for speedy growth of our economy and particularly the people of North-East who are in the trading sector, entrepreneurs, farmers. Everyone in the production sector will also get benefit of this connectivity enhancement,' he added. Earlier on June 30 Sonowal inaugurated first-ever ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue at Chennai. The meet hosted by India is being attended by all the member nations of ASEAN; i.e. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with Timor Leste. The dialogue aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance cruise connectivity, and promote sustainable tourism across the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting was held aboard the MV Empress (Cordelia Cruise ship) at Chennai Port, with more than 30 delegates from ASEAN countries. Along with the stakeholders and senior officials from the MoPSW, the event will continue in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said India plans to professionalise 5,000 km of navigable waterways to enhance cruise connectivity with ASEAN nations. Speaking at the inaugural ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai, Sonowal noted that the Sagar Mala initiative aims for one million cruise passengers by 2029, with ship calls rising sharply from 102 in 2013-14 to over 14,000 today, driven by policy reforms, tax measures, and improved port infrastructure. Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted, 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to boost coastal connectivity and modernise customs and immigration can be achieved with greater cooperation. Two thematic sessions are guiding the discussions on 'ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund: Trade & Investment' and on 'ASEAN-India Cruise Tourist Circuits: Cruise Tourism.' (ANI)
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India, ASEAN explore cruise tourism corridor to boost maritime, port connectivity, ET Infra
Advt By , ETInfra Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. Get updates on your preferred social platform Follow us for the latest news, insider access to events and more. India will work with ASEAN countries to develop cruise tourism circuits in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on at the inaugural session of the first-ever ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue, Sonowal said the initiative aims to enhance maritime cooperation and strengthen tourism and port connectivity across the Indo-Pacific event, hosted by India at Chennai Port, was attended by delegates from all ASEAN member countries — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with Timor Leste.'India plans to work closely with ASEAN nations to develop cruise tourism and tourism circuits in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean region,' Sonowal added that an integrated cruise network connecting Indian ports with ASEAN destinations is being envisioned. This will be supported by real-time vessel tracking systems and modern passenger terminals. 'These ideas will be deliberated during the dialogue,' the minister government also aims to professionalise 5,000 km of navigable waterways to improve cruise connectivity with ASEAN nations, he dialogue, held aboard MV Empress (Cordelia Cruise Ship), brought together over 30 delegates and served as a high-level platform for discussions on cruise tourism, port infrastructure development, regulatory coordination, and identification of cruise routes linking cultural and commercial hubs in the event also explored the possibility of establishing an ASEAN-India Cruise Tourism Corridor as part of India's broader maritime vision.
India Gazette
30-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"India to work with ASEAN nations to develop cruise tourism hub of global south": Sarbananda Sonowal
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 30(ANI): The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated first-ever ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue on Monday at Chennai. The meet hosted by India is being attended by all the member nations of ASEAN; i.e. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with Timor Leste. The dialogue aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance cruise connectivity, and promote sustainable tourism across the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting was held aboard the MV Empress (Cordelia Cruise ship) at Chennai Port, with more than 30 delegates from ASEAN countries. Along with the stakeholders and senior officials from the MoPSW, the event will continue in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said India plans to professionalise 5,000 km of navigable waterways to enhance cruise connectivity with ASEAN nations. Speaking at the inaugural ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai, Sonowal noted that the Sagar Mala initiative aims for one million cruise passengers by 2029, with ship calls rising sharply from 102 in 2013-14 to over 14,000 today, driven by policy reforms, tax measures, and improved port infrastructure. Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted, 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to boost coastal connectivity and modernise customs and immigration can be achieved with greater cooperation. 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, Sonowal said, 'Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 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 the private as well as regional level, this meeting 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, who include 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. During the two-day meeting, the dialogue will also visit Mamallapuram, with sessions on heritage-led cruise tourism and deeper ASEAN-India collaboration. Delegates will also tour the shore temples and rock-cut monuments, highlighting India's cultural and coastal tourism appeal. The ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue 2025 supports national goals under the 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047' and National Cruise Tourism Strategy, underscoring India's commitment to stronger maritime partnerships and modern cruise infrastructure. (ANI)
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India eyes boosting cruise tourism with ASEAN nations: Sarbananda Sonowal
India is promoting cruise tourism with ASEAN member nations, Union Ports Shipping and Waterways Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said Monday. Speaking at the first ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue, the minister said India is committed to work closely with ASEAN member nations to co-operate and co-promote new cruise circuits. 'Together, we can establish an integrated cruise network linking India with ASEAN countries, through modern ports, efficient tracking systems and robust support mechanisms,' he added. The meet hosted by India is being attended by all the member nations of ASEAN. These are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam along with Timor Leste. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo Sonowal said India plans to professionalise 5,000 km of navigable waterways to enhance cruise connectivity with ASEAN nations. He noted the Sagar Mala initiative aims for one million cruise passengers by 2029, with ship calls rising sharply from 102 in 2013–14 to over 14,000 today.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India, ASEAN to develop cruise tourism circuits in Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean
India is collaborating with ASEAN nations to develop cruise tourism circuits in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The initiative aims to establish an integrated cruise network connecting Indian ports with ASEAN destinations, supported by real-time tracking and modern terminals. This collaboration seeks to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance cruise connectivity, and promote sustainable tourism across the Indo-Pacific region. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India will work with ASEAN to develop cruise tourism circuits in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on inaugurated first ever ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue here on Monday, according to a meet hosted by India is being attended by all the member nations of ASEAN; i.e. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam along with Timor Leste."India plans to work with ASEAN countries to develop cruise tourism and tourism circuits in the Bay of Bengal as well as the Indian Ocean region."An integrated cruise network linking Indian ports with ASEAN destinations supported by real-time tracking and modern terminals is being envisaged, which will be deliberated in this meet," Sonowal Ports, Shipping and Waterways minister also said India plans to professionalise 5,000 km of navigable waterways to enhance cruise connectivity with ASEAN statement said the dialogue aims to strengthen maritime cooperation , enhance cruise connectivity, and promote sustainable tourism across the Indo-Pacific meet was held aboard the MV Empress (Cordelia Cruise ship) at Chennai Port, with more than 30 delegates from ASEAN statement said 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 also envisions the establishment of an ASEAN-India Cruise Tourism Corridor, aligned with India's larger maritime vision, the statement added.
