India, Cambodia begin joint military exercise CINBAX

• The second edition of India-Cambodia Bilateral Military Exercise CINBAX-II 2026 commenced on May 4.

• It is being held at Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Prov Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre (Camp Basil), Kampong Speu Province, in Cambodia from May 4 to 17. 

• The Indian Army contingent comprises 120 personnel, majorly from a Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. The Cambodian contingent comprises 160 personnel, from the Royal Cambodian Army.

• The first edition of the exercise was held in Pune in December 2024.

• As part of India’s ongoing defence cooperation with friendly foreign countries, the bilateral exercise CINBAX with Cambodia holds significance in the backdrop of evolving global security challenges. 

• The exercise will be conducted under the framework of Chapter VII of UN Mandate, showcasing company-level joint training for conduct of operations in sub-conventional environment.

• The joint exercise will be aligned with the current dynamics of counter-terrorism operations encountered by the peacekeeping forces during the UN peacekeeping operation. 

• The primary objective is to enhance interoperability, coordination and operational synergy between the contingents of both nations.

• The exercise will not only showcase the capability of both the nations towards maintaining global peace, but will also facilitate exchanging best practices and sharing of operational experiences gained during various operations against hostile forces in a semi-urban environment.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)