India and Cambodia Discuss Strengthening Trade and Investment Ties

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Himanshu Tiwari

India and Cambodia Discuss Strengthening Trade and Investment Ties

New Delhi, March 20: India and Cambodia held a significant meeting in New Delhi on Friday, aimed at enhancing their bilateral relations. The discussions focused on increasing cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, heritage preservation, and development partnerships.

P. Kumaran, Secretary of East Affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs, met with the Cambodian delegation led by Secretary of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kheav Sovanratana. The meeting also reviewed India’s capacity-building initiatives for Cambodia, including training programs for Cambodian diplomats at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.

Both parties agreed that cooperation should extend beyond formal relations to become practical and long-term. India has a history of collaborating with Cambodia in institutional capacity building, human resource development, and various development projects. India’s involvement has also spanned infrastructure, social security, and training sectors.

Last month, high-level military talks took place in Phnom Penh between the two nations. Major General Akash Johar, Additional Director General (International Cooperation) of the Indian Army, met with Lieutenant General Mao Sophan, Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army.

These discussions emphasized enhancing joint military exercises, expanding training cooperation, and strengthening coordination in the defense sector. Both countries recognized military capacity building, professional military education, and the exchange of experiences as crucial foundations for defense collaboration. Cambodia expressed appreciation for the training standards and professional expertise of the Indian Armed Forces and showed interest in sending more military personnel to India in the future.

India and Cambodia have maintained a cordial relationship for a long time. Under India’s ‘Act East’ policy, Cambodia is considered a vital partner in the ASEAN context. India is working to strengthen its relations in Southeast Asia through political, economic, cultural, and defense cooperation with countries like Cambodia.

The relationship between India and Cambodia is not only strategic and economic but also culturally robust. India has played a significant role in preserving ancient temples and historical heritage in Cambodia, making heritage preservation a key pillar of cooperation between the two nations.

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