The 3rd India-Cambodia Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) took place in Siem Reap, Cambodia, reinforcing longstanding diplomatic partnership between two nations. The FOC serves as an essential platform for both sides to coordinate and discuss political, economic, security, and cultural cooperation.
Key Highlights of Consultation
Both sides reviewed progress in key areas, including: Political cooperation; Defence and security; Trade and investment; Development assistance; Heritage conservation and restoration.
Discussions covered consular issues and regional & multilateral cooperation.
Both countries committed to exploring opportunities in health and digital technologies.
Economic and strategic ties remain a shared priority, with a focus on expanding cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors.
India-Cambodia Bilateral Relations
Cambodia plays a crucial role in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. The country is also recognized as a key partner in the Global South, further strengthening diplomatic ties.
Act East Policy:
- Aims to boost trade, connectivity, and strategic partnerships with Southeast Asian and Indo-Pacific countries.
- Enhances development opportunities for India’s Northeastern states.
- Built on three key pillars: Commerce, Culture, and Connectivity (3Cs).
Defence Cooperation:
- The Indian Navy conducts joint exercises and capacity-building activities with the Royal Cambodian Navy.
- Maritime cooperation is being strengthened through joint training and exercises.
Capacity Building & Education: India offers training programs for Cambodian officials under:
- ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) program
- ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarships
Socio-Economic Projects: India supports Cambodia in areas like agriculture, healthcare, and women’s empowerment through small-scale development projects.
Maritime Cooperation: The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) regularly collaborates with the Royal Cambodian Navy.
Joint Military Exercises: The Indian and Cambodian armies conduct joint tabletop exercises like Synbachs to enhance interoperability.
Recent Developments in India-Cambodia Relations
- February 2025: Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) visited Sihanoukville Port, Cambodia, to strengthen naval ties.
- February 2024: Cambodian Navy participated in Ex-MILAN 24 at Visakhapatnam, India.
- December 2024: First edition of Joint Tabletop Exercise ‘Synbachs’ between Indian and Cambodian armies was held in Pune, India.