Why in news?
The Indian Army dispatched a contingent to Cambodia to participate in the second edition of Exercise CINBAX. This joint exercise with the Royal Cambodian Army is being held at Camp Basil from 4 May to 17 May 2026 under a United Nations mandate. It aims to strengthen defence cooperation and prepare troops for peaceโkeeping and counterโterrorism operations.
Background
CINBAX stands for Cambodia-India Bilateral Army Exercise. The first edition took place in December 2024 as a planning drill. This yearโs exercise involves full field training with a much larger contingent.
- Participants: India has sent about 120 personnel, mainly from the Maratha Light Infantry, while Cambodia has deployed about 160 troops.
- Objectives: to enhance interoperability, share best practices in counterโterrorism and peaceโkeeping operations, and improve coordination under UN mandates.
- Training focus: the exercise includes drills in humanitarian mine action, hostage rescue, urban warfare, and integration of drones, mortars and sniper teams.
- Historical context: the first CINBAX in 2024 was limited to tableโtop planning. This second edition marks a fullโfledged field exercise, showcasing growing defence ties and Indiaโs Act East policy.
By training together, the two armies hope to improve their ability to operate jointly during UN peaceโkeeping missions and disaster relief operations. The exercise also reflects Indiaโs broader strategy of strengthening security partnerships in Southeast Asia.
Prelims MCQ Practice
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Exercise CINBAX is conducted between India and:
With reference to Exercise CINBAX-II, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Growing defence engagement with Cambodia forms part of which Indian policy?