India – Cambodia relations

Why is in news? India, Cambodia sign 4 MOUs in the areas of culture, wildlife & health

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar had a bilateral meeting with the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the sidelines of the ongoing ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Saturday. Wide-ranging discussions were held on bilateral ties including human resource, de-mining and development projects.

The leaders witnessed exchange of 4 MoUs signed in areas of culture, wildlife and health.

(i) The field of health and medicine between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India and Ministry of Health, Cambodia.

(ii) Regarding reintroduction of tigers in Cambodia between the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, India and Ministry of Environment, Cambodia for Cooperation in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Wildlife Management.

(iii) Between IIT, Jodhpur, and Institute of Technology, Cambodia in the field of Research, Development and Application of Technology for Digital Documentation of Cultural Heritage.

(iv) Financing Agreement on Conservation and Preservation of Wat Raja Bo Pagoda Paintings in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

India- Cambodia relations:

India- Cambodia relations go back to the 1st century AD when Hindu and Buddhist religious and cultural influences emanated out of India to various parts of Southeast Asia.

Cambodia is a representative of Indian cultural outreach to the Asian region because the biggest Hindu temples like Angkor Watis in Cambodia which has recognition of UNESCO world heritage site. India is involved in the restoration and preservation of Angkor Wat which is an honour for India. It is part of the joint cultural heritage of Cambodia and India.

The cultural ties with Cambodia and other ASEAN nations is a factor of India’s soft power.

India agreed to provide lines of credit, including nearly $37 million to finance a Cambodian water project.

India also offered lines of credit for setting up specialty hospitals, expanding road, rail and digital connectivity and construction of a high-powered electric line.

India and Cambodia also signed a MoU on the prevention of human trafficking under which the two countries will seek to increase bilateral cooperation on the issues of prevention, rescue and repatriation related to human trafficking.

China’s Influence in the Region:

India is seeking to deepen bonds with Southeast Asia amid wariness over China’s growing influence in the region. The Chinese have tried their best to continue their interest in the Indo-China region especially with Cambodia and Vietnam. But these countries do not want their hard won freedom to be bargained for the money from china. Not all ASENA nations are on the same line when dealing with China.