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 peace‑keeping and counter‑terrorism operations.
Background
CINBAX stands for Cambodia-India Bilateral Army Exercise. The first edition took place in December 2024 as a planning drill. This year’s 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 counter‑terrorism and peace‑keeping 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 table‑top planning. This second edition marks a full‑fledged field exercise, showcasing growing defence ties and India’s Act East policy.
By training together, the two armies hope to improve their ability to operate jointly during UN peace‑keeping missions and disaster relief operations. The exercise also reflects India’s broader strategy of strengthening security partnerships in Southeast Asia.
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