New Delhi, May 3: An Army contingent has departed for the second edition of the India–Cambodia bilateral military exercise, CINBAX-II, scheduled to be held in Cambodia from May 4 to May 17, 2026.
The exercise will take place at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Provincial Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre (Camp Basil) in Kampong Speu province. It is being conducted as part of India’s ongoing defence cooperation with friendly countries and comes amid evolving global security challenges.
CINBAX-II will be held under the framework of Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate and will focus on company-level joint training for operations in a sub-conventional environment.
The Indian contingent comprises 120 personnel, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. The Cambodian side is represented by 160 personnel from the Royal Cambodian Army.
The exercise will centre on counter-terrorism operations typically faced by UN peacekeeping forces. Activities will include discussions, tactical drills and a final validation exercise. Troops will also undergo specialised training in areas such as drone operations, mortar handling and sniper tactics.
The primary aim is to improve interoperability, coordination and operational synergy between the two armies.
Officials said the exercise will also enable both sides to exchange best practices and share operational experience, particularly in semi-urban combat scenarios. CINBAX-II 2026 reflects the growing defence ties between India and Cambodia and is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations while enhancing cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.
