What happened?
India handed over an Infantry Weapon Training Simulator (IWTS) to the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) on 17 February 2025 at a ceremony held at the RCA Headquarters. The event was presided over by General Mao Sophan, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Indian Ambassador to Cambodia.
Why it matters to India:
The donation reinforces India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy, strengthening defence ties with Cambodia at a time of growing Chinese influence in Southeast Asia. The IWTS will bolster Cambodia’s military capabilities, promoting joint exercises and interoperability, as seen during the inaugural India-Cambodia bilateral military exercise, CINBAX, in December 2024. This engagement aligns with India’s broader goal of offering ASEAN partners alternatives to Chinese military support, ensuring regional stability, and maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Cambodia’s strategic location near the South China Sea makes it a key partner in India’s efforts to counterbalance Beijing’s expanding presence, including concerns over China’s control of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base.