Indian Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung met Cambodian Minister of Culture & Religion, Chay Borin, to enhance cultural partnerships.
India-Cambodia Buddhist Linkages: Strengthening Cultural Ties
Religious Tourism & Cooperation: Plans to bring Buddhist relics from India to Cambodia in 2026 were discussed.
India’s Support to Cambodia: India provides scholarships for Cambodian students, assists monks and pagodas, and supports Buddhist institutions.
Act East Policy & Buddhism: India promotes Buddhism as a cultural bridge with Southeast Asian nations, including Cambodia.
Restoration Efforts: India plays a crucial role in restoring ancient temples, including Angkor Wat.
India is currently involved in the conservation of the Ta Prohm temple complex, further contributing to the preservation of Cambodia’s cultural heritage
Cultural Similarities: Khmer language has over 3,000 Sanskrit-origin words; Cambodian rituals share deep ties with Indian traditions.
Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP): Signed in 2000, regularly renewed, fostering deeper cultural diplomacy.
Buddhism as Soft Power: India leverages its status as Buddhism’s birthplace to strengthen global influence, especially in Asia.
India-Cambodia Ties
Historical Background
Funan Kingdom (1st–6th century CE): Indian traders established commercial and cultural ties with Funan.
Chenla Kingdom (6th–9th century CE): Continued Indian influence in culture and religion.
Khmer Empire (9th–15th century CE): Peak of Indian influence, adoption of Hinduism and Buddhism, construction of Angkor Wat.
India was the first to recognize Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge fall (1979) and revived its embassy in Phnom Penh in 1981.
Sanskrit Influence: Sanskrit adopted as the court language; inscriptions and literature created.
Artistic & Cultural Exchange: Indian art, architecture, and dance forms influenced Cambodian traditions.
Royal & Religious Ties: Buddhist teachings and scriptures transmitted between India and Cambodia.
Diplomatic Relations
Established in 1952: Formal diplomatic relations after Cambodia’s independence.
High-Level Visits: Regular exchanges between Indian and Cambodian leaders.
Bilateral Agreements: Cooperation in economy, culture, defense, and tourism.
Resident Diplomatic Missions: Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh; Cambodian Embassy in New Delhi.
Regional & Multilateral Cooperation: Collaboration within ASEAN and the East Asia Summit.
Key Aspects of India-Cambodia Relations
Economic Cooperation
Trade: Bilateral trade focuses on sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Efforts are ongoing to enhance trade volumes and diversify traded goods.
Development Assistance: India has extended lines of credit to Cambodia for projects in water resource development and transmission lines
Defense & Security Cooperation
Capacity Building: India provides training programs for Cambodian defense personnel, enhancing their capabilities.
Strategic Dialogues: Regular discussions are held on maritime security and counter-terrorism to address shared security concerns
Cultural & Educational Exchanges
Scholarships: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers scholarships to Cambodian students for higher education in India.
Cultural Programs: Initiatives like the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework promote cultural exchanges, including the establishment of the Asian Traditional Textiles Museum in Siem Reap.
