Indian Army contingent leaves for Cambodia for CINBAX-II joint military exercise
New Delhi, May 3. An Indian Army contingent has departed for the second edition of the India-Cambodia bilateral military exercise, CINBAX-II, scheduled to be held from May 4 to 17, 2026, in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia.
The exercise will take place at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Prov Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre (Camp Basil) and is being conducted under the framework of Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate. It will feature company-level joint training focused on operations in a sub-conventional environment, in line with the evolving nature of global security challenges.
The Indian contingent comprises 120 personnel, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, while the Cambodian side is represented by 160 personnel from the Royal Cambodian Army.
The exercise is designed around the current dynamics of counter-terrorism operations faced by peacekeeping forces during UN missions. Troops from both sides will engage in a series of discussions, tactical drills and a final validation exercise. Specialised training modules will include drone operations, mortar deployment and sniper tactics.
CINBAX-II aims to improve interoperability, coordination and operational synergy between the two armies. It will also provide an opportunity for the exchange of best practices and operational experiences gained during missions in semi-urban and hostile environments.
The joint drill underlines the expanding defence cooperation between India and Cambodia and is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties while enhancing mutual understanding in addressing regional and global security challenges.
