(Phnom Penh): The Embassy of India hosted an event to officially send off 20 Cambodian diplomats who will participate in the Second Special Customised Course for Diplomats from Cambodia and Timor-Leste at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) in New Delhi from 09–18 March 2026.
The ceremony was presided over by Khy Sovanratana, Secretary of State, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) of Cambodia, along with other senior officials and distinguished guests from MFAIC.
In his remarks, Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung recalled that the first Special Course for Cambodian diplomats was held in March 2024, with 15 Cambodian diplomats participating, and expressed satisfaction at the continuation of this valuable initiative aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation and capacity building.
The ambassador also noted the participation of a Cambodian diplomat in the 4th Global South Young Diplomats Forum hosted by SSIFS from 16–27 February 2026, reflecting Cambodia’s active engagement with India’s capacity-building initiatives and shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of diplomatic leaders.
Within the ASEAN framework, India has conducted 13 Special Courses for ASEAN diplomats, attended by 319 officials from across the region. These programmes have become a cornerstone of India–ASEAN engagement, fostering professional networks, mutual understanding, and regional cooperation.
Capacity building remains a key pillar of India–Cambodia development cooperation. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, over 3,000 Cambodian nationals have received training in India since 1981. In 2025–26 alone, close to 300 Cambodian officials will be participating in short-term ITEC courses, including six customised programmes for the Ministries of Interior, Civil Service, Planning, and Justice, Post and Telecommunications, etc.
Scholarships administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) continue to support Cambodian students at undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels across diverse fields. Last year, 41 scholarships were utilised, and this year’s scholarship programme has already been launched.
The Cambodia–India Alumni Association, formed by ITEC and ICCR beneficiaries, further strengthens professional networks and deepens people-to-people ties between our two countries.
Addressing the participants, Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung expressed confidence that the course in New Delhi will broaden their perspectives, provide valuable professional insights, and foster lasting connections. He conveyed his best wishes for a successful and enriching programme and looked forward to welcoming them back with strengthened capacities and renewed bonds of friendship between India and Cambodia.
Cambodian students are invited to apply at https://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in (https://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in/)
=FRESH NEWS
