India Hosts First ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai

02 Jul 2025 CW Team

Over 30 ASEAN delegates joined Indian officials, including Union Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur, for a two-day event with further sessions to be held in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In his address, Shri Sonowal emphasised India's commitment to develop 5,000 km of navigable waterways to enhance cruise links with ASEAN nations. Highlighting the Sagar Mala initiative, he projected one million cruise passengers by 2029, with ship calls having surged from 102 in 2013–14 to over 14,000 due to infrastructure upgrades and policy reforms.

He proposed an integrated cruise network linking Indian and ASEAN ports with real-time tracking systems and modern terminals. India aims to align this effort with the Viksit Bharat 2047 and ASEAN Community Vision 2045 to build a Cruise Tourism Corridor connecting culturally vibrant coastal cities in the Indian Ocean region.

The dialogue features thematic sessions on “ASEAN–India Cooperation Fund: Trade & Investment” and “ASEAN–India Cruise Tourist Circuits,” supporting India's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Shri Sonowal stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is advancing with holistic maritime reforms. He added that collaboration with ASEAN partners will catalyse economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange, positioning the region as the cruise tourism hub of the Global South.

Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur echoed these views, highlighting ASEAN’s role in India’s Act East Policy and its contribution to shaping a prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Delegates will visit Mamallapuram’s shore temples and monuments, underlining heritage-led cruise tourism potential. Discussions are also addressing regulatory alignment, connectivity gaps, and sustainable growth models.

Key attendees included Secretary of MoPSW Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Special Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary Shri Venkatesapathy, IPA Chairman Shri Sunil Paliwal, Cruise Bharat Mission Advisor Shri Rajeev Jalota, and senior officials from the Tamil Nadu Government.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the first ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue aboard the MV Empress at Chennai Port. The event, attended by representatives from all ten ASEAN nations and Timor Leste, aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, improve cruise connectivity, and promote sustainable tourism across the Indo-Pacific.Over 30 ASEAN delegates joined Indian officials, including Union Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur, for a two-day event with further sessions to be held in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.In his address, Shri Sonowal emphasised India's commitment to develop 5,000 km of navigable waterways to enhance cruise links with ASEAN nations. Highlighting the Sagar Mala initiative, he projected one million cruise passengers by 2029, with ship calls having surged from 102 in 2013–14 to over 14,000 due to infrastructure upgrades and policy reforms.He proposed an integrated cruise network linking Indian and ASEAN ports with real-time tracking systems and modern terminals. India aims to align this effort with the Viksit Bharat 2047 and ASEAN Community Vision 2045 to build a Cruise Tourism Corridor connecting culturally vibrant coastal cities in the Indian Ocean region.The dialogue features thematic sessions on “ASEAN–India Cooperation Fund: Trade & Investment” and “ASEAN–India Cruise Tourist Circuits,” supporting India's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.Shri Sonowal stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is advancing with holistic maritime reforms. He added that collaboration with ASEAN partners will catalyse economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange, positioning the region as the cruise tourism hub of the Global South.Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur echoed these views, highlighting ASEAN’s role in India’s Act East Policy and its contribution to shaping a prosperous Indo-Pacific.Delegates will visit Mamallapuram’s shore temples and monuments, underlining heritage-led cruise tourism potential. Discussions are also addressing regulatory alignment, connectivity gaps, and sustainable growth models.Key attendees included Secretary of MoPSW Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Special Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary Shri Venkatesapathy, IPA Chairman Shri Sunil Paliwal, Cruise Bharat Mission Advisor Shri Rajeev Jalota, and senior officials from the Tamil Nadu Government.

Infrastructure Transport

07 May 2026

IRCON Celebrates 50 Years of Infrastructure Excellence

IRCON International, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, celebrated its 50th Foundation Day at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Golden Jubilee event marked five decades of contribution to India’s railway and infrastructure development, while reaffirming the company’s commitment to nation-building through engineering excellence. The celebration was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Railways, IRCON’s leadership, industry stakeholders and employees. The event featured the launch of a commemorative coffee table book on IRCON’s 50-year ..

Infrastructure Urban

07 May 2026

BorgWarner Wins Three Electric Motor Orders in Asia

BorgWarner has secured three electric motor business awards with Asian original equipment manufacturers across China and South Korea, strengthening its electrification portfolio across battery electric and hybrid vehicle applications. Production under the new programmes is expected to begin in phases from June 2026 to September 2027. In South Korea, BorgWarner will supply a stator assembly for a new electric B-segment SUV programme. The award builds on its earlier supply of hairpin eMotor technology for the customer’s multi-purpose vehicle platform, reinforcing its position as a trusted supp..

Infrastructure Urban

07 May 2026

AIDO Showcases Door Systems At Aluminium Expo

AIDO, an endorsed brand of dormakaba, marked its participation at Aluminium Expo 2026, held from 1–3 May at Calicut Trade Centre, Calicut. Organised by the Aluminium Dealer Forum, the event saw AIDO showcase its SLYNK Profiled Door System and advanced Digital Door Lock range. The SLYNK Profiled Door System is designed for seamless spatial transitions, minimal aesthetics, smooth operation and optimised space use. It supports wooden doors, framed glass doors and frameless glass doors, with configurations including invisible sliding, pocket sliding, telescopic sliding, synchro sliding and singl..