Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Cambodia steps up defence ties with India as armies ink ToR

Cambodia steps up defence ties with India as armies ink ToR

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
RCAF deputy commander-in-chief Hun Manet salutes an honour guard before his meeting with Indian Army commander Manoj Pande in New Delhi on February 3. HUN MANET VIA FB

Cambodia steps up defence ties with India as armies ink ToR

Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh highlighted his government’s commitment to providing training assistance to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), in the interests of fostering stronger cooperation between the militaries of the two nations.

Singh met with Hun Manet, RCAF deputy commander-in-chief and commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, on February 3 as the latter paid a February 2-4 official visit.

Manet briefed Singh on the terms of reference (ToR) that he discussed and signed with Indian Army commander Manoj Pande, according to the RCAF’s February 4 social media post. The ToR will mark a new closeness between the two militaries and would open a path to increased practical cooperation.

“The defence minister [Singh] appreciated the ongoing efforts of both armies to maintain and enhance relations. He also confirmed India’s commitment to helping the RCAF with training,” it added.

“[Singh] described the visit by the RCAF delegation as evidence of the close friendship between the two nations. Cambodia and India are celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and are committed to bolstering bilateral relations, especially in the fields of culture, human resource development, infrastructure connectivity and defence,” it continued.

According to the Indian Army’s February 3 post, Pande extended a warm welcome to Manet, and the two discussed possible avenues for improved defence cooperation.

During the interaction, ToR for staff talks between the two armies were signed. Folders on customised training programmes for the RCAF were also exchanged.

The RCAF said Manet also met Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who underscored India’s commitment to strengthening and developing relations with Cambodia for the sake of peace, stability and development in the region.

“[Manet] appreciated the solidarity, friendship, trust and cooperation between Cambodia and India, especially during periods where Cambodia faced difficulties. Manet has also confirmed an agreed-upon direction of more multi-sectoral connectivity for the future,” it added.

Following the meeting, the Indian foreign minister took to social media announcing that the two sides had exchanged views on the geopolitical situation and regional challenges, and had agreed on the need for independent-minded nations to cooperate closely. They discussed potential cooperation on defence, security and digital connectivity.

In a February 4 press release, the Indian embassy in Phnom Penh said the visit would further strengthen the defence cooperation, as well as the bonds of friendship, between the two countries.

“The assistance by India to the capacity building of the RCAF is a key area of cooperation, and has been further strengthened and deepened with the customised courses that were announced during the visit. They are tailored to the requirements of the RCAF,” it added.

Ro Vannak, co-founder of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, said the modernisation of the military required human resource development.

“Diversification of defence relations with the major power in South Asia – in addition to cooperation with China – contributes to the strengthening of the Kingdom’s defence capacity,” he added.

“India is a major power in the region. It is implementing its ‘Look East’ policy to bolster its standing and protect peace and prosperity in the region,” he continued.

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Famed US collector family return artefacts to Cambodia

    In the latest repatriation of ancient artefacts from the US, a total of 33 pieces of Khmer cultural heritage will soon return home, according to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. In a September 12 press statement, it said the US Attorney’s Office for the

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • Kampot curfew imposed to curb ‘gang’ violence

    Kampot provincial police have announced measures to contain a recent spike in antisocial behaviour by “unruly’ youth. Officials say the province has been plagued by recent violence among so-called “gang members”, who often fight with weapons such as knives and machetes. Several social observers have

  • PM outlines plans to discuss trade, policy during US visit

    Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to meet with senior US officials and business leaders during his upcoming visit to the US for the UN General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled for September 20. While addressing nearly 20,000 workers in Kampong Speu province, Manet said he aims to affirm

  • Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings

    Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet other leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon his arrival, Manet laid a wreath at the Monument