Cambodia, India discuss expanding military cooperation as New Delhi pledges continued support

PHNOM PENH, June 30, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has sought expanded defence cooperation with India, including military training, joint exercises and support in demining and defence technology, during talks between senior military officials on Tuesday.

General Vong Pisen, Commander‑in‑Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), met Colonel Adhishek Arora, India’s newly appointed Defence Attaché to Cambodia, for a courtesy call and working discussion in Phnom Penh.

According to the RCAF High Command, Vong Pisen thanked India for its continued support in developing Cambodian military personnel through training programmes and specialised courses.

He welcomed the success of the second Cambodia‑India bilateral military exercise held earlier this year, saying it had strengthened capabilities and deepened cooperation.

The Cambodian military chief asked India to continue supporting cooperation in areas including military education, high‑level exchanges, intelligence sharing, combating transnational crime, disaster relief, UN peacekeeping, demining, joint exercises and naval port visits.

Colonel Arora praised the professionalism of the RCAF and its participation in bilateral exercises.

He said New Delhi was prepared to continue supporting Cambodia’s requests for training and capacity building, while noting India’s defence industry could provide technology, demining equipment and reconnaissance drones.

Vong Pisen expressed appreciation for India’s commitment, saying closer defence cooperation would contribute to regional peace and stability.

The talks underscored Cambodia’s efforts to broaden military partnerships and India’s pledge to remain a key defence partner in Southeast Asia.