Phnom Penh: An Infantry Weapon Training Simulator, a gift from the Indian Army to the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), was handed over to the RCA in a ceremony held at the RCA headquarters in Phnom Penh on Feb. 17. The event was presided over by H.E. Gen. Mao Sophan, Deputy Commander-in-chief of RCAF and Commander of RCA, and H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia, reaffirming the strong defence cooperation between the two countries.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Gen. Mao Sophan highlighted the long-standing relationship and cooperation between Cambodia and India. He noted that military cooperation between the two nations has steadily strengthened and expanded, culminating in the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) between their respective armies. This ToR has created new opportunities for enhanced collaboration and engagement.
He further emphasised that the Infantry Weapon Training Simulator, provided by the Indian Army, represents valuable support for the modernisation of Cambodia’s national defence and underscored that this advanced training system will contribute significantly to enhancing the operational capabilities of the RCA.
H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung stated that the gifting of the Infantry Weapon Training Simulator was announced during the landmark visit of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, in his capacity as then Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the RCAF and Commander of the RCA, to India in February 2023. That visit laid a solid foundation for collaboration between the Indian Army and the RCA.
H.E. Ambassador further emphasised that the gifting of the training system is a testament to the enduring friendship between the Cambodian and Indian armies. It also reflects India’s commitment to further strengthening and expanding defence ties with Cambodia, reinforcing the deep-rooted friendship between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of India.
According to the Embassy in of India, following the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) between the two armies in February 2023, two rounds of Army to Army Staff Talks have already taken place. The RCA has also sent personnel for tailor-made training courses at various military institutions in India. A Mobile Training Team of the Indian Army was deployed in Cambodia.
Additionally, both armies conducted the inaugural bilateral military exercise, CINBAX, which underscored their shared commitment to enhancing interoperability, strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation, and improving readiness for joint operations under the framework of United Nations peacekeeping missions.
While Army-to-Army cooperation remains a strong pillar of India-Cambodia defence ties, the cooperation has broader elements. Indian naval ships have been making regular port calls to Cambodia, strengthening maritime and naval cooperation. The Infantry Weapon Training Simulator arrived in Cambodia on board Indian Navy Ship Sujata, which, along with Indian Coast Guard Ship Veera, made a port call at Sihanoukville, Cambodia during Feb. 14-17, 2025.