India, Cambodia Strengthen Defence Ties with Joint Anti-Terror Drill CINBAX-II

The Indian Army has dispatched a 120-member contingent to Cambodia for the second edition of the bilateral military exercise CINBAX-II 2026 , scheduled from May 4 to May 17 at a training facility in Kampong Speu Province.

The exercise, conducted alongside the Royal Cambodian Army , comes amid evolving global security challenges and aims to enhance joint capabilities in counter-terrorism operations and peacekeeping missions. Around 160 Cambodian personnel are participating in the drill, making it a significant combined training engagement between the two nations.

Designed under the framework of mandates of the United Nations , the exercise focuses on operations in sub-conventional environments such as insurgency-hit and semi-urban areas. Troops from both sides will undertake a range of tactical drills, including counter-terror raids, room intervention, hostage rescue, and coordinated combat simulations.

Specialised training modules will cover the use of drones for surveillance, sniper coordination, and mortar firing, alongside command post exercises that test real-time decision-making. The drills will culminate in a validation phase to assess operational readiness and synergy between the participating units.

Officials said the primary objective of CINBAX-II is to improve interoperability, allowing forces from India and Cambodia to operate seamlessly in joint missions, particularly in UN peacekeeping deployments. The exercise also provides a platform for exchanging best practices and lessons learned from past operations in challenging environments.

The Indian contingent largely comprises troops from a battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, bringing extensive experience in counter-insurgency and field operations.

Beyond the immediate training goals, the exercise reflects the steady expansion of defence cooperation between the two countries. India and Cambodia share longstanding cultural and historical ties, and in recent years, their partnership has gained momentum under New Delhi’s engagement with Southeast Asia.

Defence collaboration has included training programmes for Cambodian military personnel in Indian institutions, capacity-building initiatives, and support in areas such as de-mining. Regular exchanges and joint activities have further strengthened mutual understanding on regional security issues.

CINBAX-II is seen as a key step in deepening bilateral defence ties, reinforcing strategic cooperation, and contributing to regional stability. As both countries continue to engage more closely, such joint exercises are expected to play a growing role in enhancing coordination and preparedness in tackling shared security challenges.