First-ever ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue opens in Chennai
On 30 June 2025 in Chennai, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the first-ever ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue, held aboard the MV Empress at Chennai Port.
Summary
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, inaugurated the first-ever ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai on 30 June 2025. Hosted by India, the meet was attended by all ASEAN member nations along with Timor Leste, with more than 30 delegates; it was held aboard the MV Empress (a Cordelia Cruise ship) at Chennai Port and was to continue in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Minister said India plans to professionalise 5,000 km of navigable waterways to enhance cruise connectivity with ASEAN, and that the Sagarmala initiative aims for one million cruise passengers by 2029.
Key facts
- Event
- First ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue
- Venue
- MV Empress (Cordelia Cruise), Chennai Port; continues in Mamallapuram
- Participants
- All ASEAN members plus Timor Leste; 30+ delegates
- Waterways plan
- Professionalise 5,000 km of navigable waterways
- Sagarmala target
- One million cruise passengers by 2029
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Aboard which ship was the first ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue held at Chennai Port on 30 June 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — MV Empress
PIB: the meet was held aboard the MV Empress (Cordelia Cruise ship) at Chennai Port.
What cruise-passenger target by 2029 under the Sagarmala initiative did Sarbananda Sonowal cite at the ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — One million
PIB: the Sagar Mala initiative aims for one million cruise passengers by 2029.