The 3rd India-Cambodia Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held successfully in Siem Reap province on Monday, bringing together senior diplomats from both countries to review and enhance bilateral relations across various sectors.
The Indian delegation was led by Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Cambodian side was represented by Un Kheang, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The consultations, held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, allowed both sides to assess the progress of their bilateral relationship and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Discussions focused on key areas such as political cooperation, trade and investment, defence and security, development assistance, heritage conservation and restoration, and consular matters.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress made in these areas and agreed to explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly in health and digital technologies. They also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues, reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Jaideep Mazumdar highlighted Cambodia’s crucial role in India’s Act East Policy and its strategic importance as a key partner in India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region. He also underscored Cambodia’s position as a pivotal ally for India within the Global South framework.
As part of the visit, Mazumdar and Kheang visited the Asian Traditional Textile Museum, established with Indian assistance under the Mekong Ganga Cooperation initiative. They also toured the Ta Prohm Temple, where India has been involved in a significant conservation and restoration project, symbolising the deepening cultural and historical ties between the two countries.
India and Cambodia share a long-standing relationship marked by mutual support and cooperation. In the 1950s, India played a role in the International Control Commission on Indo-China. Following the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime, India recognised the new Cambodian government and reopened its embassy in Phnom Penh in 1981, at a time when much of the world remained hesitant to engage with Cambodia.
India also contributed military and non-military personnel to the UNTAC-sponsored elections in 1993 and was one of the original contributors to UN de-mining operations in Cambodia. Between 1986 and 1993, India responded to an appeal from the Cambodian government to assist with the conservation of the Angkor Wat temple, contributing $4 million to the effort despite ongoing instability in the country.
The latest consultations reflect the growing strength of India-Cambodia relations and the mutual desire to deepen their partnership across various sectors, including development, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.
