India and Cambodia Strengthen Bilateral Ties with New Science Library Inauguration in Battambang

Battambang, Cambodia — In a major boost to educational infrastructure and scientific learning, a new Science Library was officially inaugurated on October 19, 2026, at Anlong Vil High School in the Sangkae District of Battambang Province.

The project, established under India’s Quick Impact Project (QIP) initiative, marks another milestone in the growing technological and educational collaboration between India and Cambodia.

Key Highlights of the Inauguration

• High-Level Attendance: The facility was jointly inaugurated by H.E. HEM Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), Kingdom of Cambodia, and Dr. Tanu Priya, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of India. They were joined by esteemed educators, students, local community representatives, and distinguished dignitaries.
• Empowering Future Innovators: Speaking at the event, Dr. Tanu Priya underscored the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations, emphasizing that science, education, and innovation are fundamental drivers of sustainable development.
• State-of-the-Art Resources: The newly established Science Library is fully equipped with advanced science textbooks, practical laboratory instruments, computers, and interactive learning tools designed to foster curiosity, experimentation, and critical thinking among students and the local community.

Expanding Educational Outreach Across Cambodia

This latest launch builds on a series of successful collaborative efforts under the Mekong–Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework:

• Growing Network: In January 2026, a similar Science Library was successfully inaugurated in the Ratanak Mondul District of Battambang Province.
• Future Projects: Institutional ties are set to expand further, with a fourth Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) expected soon for the construction of another Science Library in Kampong Thom Province.

India’s Mekong–Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Framework

Under the MGC framework, the Government of India funds ten Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in Cambodia annually. These projects focus on high-priority areas critical to grassroots development, including:

• Education and Science
• Healthcare
• Women’s Empowerment
• Sanitation
• Agriculture

To date, India has supported 75 QIPs across the Kingdom, with 55 projects successfully completed and 20 currently under active implementation, directly supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia’s national development goals.