India, Cambodia launch joint military drills CINBAX‑II

PHNOM PENH, May 4, 2026 (KPT) — Around 120 Indian Army personnel have arrived in Cambodia to take part in a joint military exercise with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, the Cambodian Army said.

The troops landed on May 3 and will join the 15‑day exercise, known as CINBAX‑II, at the Techo Sen Phnom Thmor Prau training base in Kampong Speu province.

The drills, running until May 18, combine command‑post and field training under the theme of joint counter‑terrorism operations and disaster relief.

Officials said the exercise is aimed at strengthening defence ties and expanding practical cooperation between the two armies.

This is the second edition of CINBAX, following the inaugural exercise in India in 2024. Cambodia and India established diplomatic relations in the 1950s, with New Delhi maintaining ties through periods of conflict and supporting peace and reconstruction efforts.

In recent years, defence cooperation has become a visible pillar of the partnership, alongside trade, culture and development.

Indian naval ships have also made port calls to Cambodia under New Delhi’s Act East Policy, which seeks deeper engagement with Southeast Asia.