(Phnom Penh): In an exclusive interview with Fresh News media, Indian Ambassador to Cambodia Vanlalvawna Bawitlung shared insights into the growing bilateral relations between India and Cambodia, highlighting key achievements and future priorities.
Regarding the current state of ties, Ambassador Bawitlung emphasized that India and Cambodia enjoy excellent relations rooted in deep historical and civilizational connections. He noted that India was among the first nations to establish diplomatic relations with Cambodia and to reestablish its diplomatic presence after the fall of the Khmer Rouge.
He underlined that bilateral cooperation has expanded across political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people domains. Recent high-level exchanges, including Foreign Office Consultations in March 2025, successful visits by Minister of State for External Affairs of India in July 2025 and March 2026, and Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce’s visit to India in February, have strengthened dialogue on bilateral, regional, and global issues.
On economic cooperation, the ambassador highlighted increased engagement between business communities. Over the past year, the Indian Embassy has hosted multiple business delegations spanning textiles, agriculture, food processing, IT, education, and pharmaceuticals. These efforts aim to foster tangible partnerships and boost trade and investment.
In the cultural sphere the Embassy continues its cultural outreach by regularly holding yoga, dance and Hindii classes. Ambassador Bawitlung revealed plans to soon open a Yoga and Dance Centre on Samdech Pan Avenue (214) in Phnom Penh. He also noted ongoing cooperation in heritage preservation, particularly India’s restoration project at Ta Prohm temple. Cultural exchanges have also included a film festival featuring Indian movies with Khmer subtitles, with plans to expand such initiatives.
The ambassador further highlighted India’s continued support in Cambodia’s demining efforts. He recently attended a ceremony in Trapeang Rung Commune, Koh Kong Province, marking it as mine-free, an important milestone in humanitarian mine action.
In education and capacity building, India has expanded its fully funded ITEC training programmes to include emerging fields such as machine learning, data analytics, anti-cybercrime, and public policy. Additionally, 40 scholarships under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) have been offered to Cambodian students for studies in India, with applications closing on 15 April.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ambassador Bawitlung stated that achievements are the result of collective efforts by stakeholders in both countries. While noting his relatively short time in Cambodia, he expressed a strong desire to see increased business engagement and people-to-people exchanges, particularly in tourism. He highlighted existing direct flights connecting four cities in both countries and expressed hope for more visitors traveling both ways.
Looking ahead to 2026, the ambassador outlined key priorities, including enhancing trade and investment through new bilateral agreements and launching a cross-border payment system to facilitate seamless transactions. He also noted that the opening of a defence wing at the embassy will broaden cooperation, particularly in training and capacity building.
Ambassador Bawitlung concluded by announcing preparations for the International Day of Yoga on 21 June, inviting wide participation from Cambodian partners and the public, as part of efforts to further strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.
=FRESH NEWS
