AKP Phnom Penh, July 07, 2025 --

Visiting Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, H.E. Pabitra Margherita, has praised Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, as a statesman of the Global South and a pillar of the Cambodia–India relationship.

During a courtesy call at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh this morning, H.E. Pabitra Margherita expressed his honour in meeting with Samdech Techo, who, he noted, has maintained strong relations with six successive Indian Prime Ministers.

He underscored the centuries-old historical and cultural ties between Cambodia and India, built upon a common heritage and shared vision for the future. The Minister expressed optimism that bilateral relations would soon reach new heights, particularly through the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister H.E. Narendra Modi to Cambodia.

H.E. Margherita also highlighted ongoing cooperation in areas such as defence, demining, human resource development, and temple restoration, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening these partnerships. He thanked Samdech Techo Hun Sen for consistently supporting India's role in ASEAN.

In response, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his appreciation for the strong and growing ties between the two nations and recalled India's unwavering support during Cambodia’s most difficult times, especially in the early 1980s.

He noted that India was the first democratic country to recognise Cambodia in 1981, providing essential assistance, including food aid, training programmes, and technical expertise—especially in temple restoration.

While acknowledging the growing trade volume, Samdech Techo remarked that it still falls short of its true potential, given India’s massive market and Cambodia’s purchasing power. He called for deeper economic, trade, and investment cooperation to match the strength of their political relations.

He specifically encouraged Indian investors to explore opportunities in agro-processing, especially in the cassava and cashew nut sectors, noting that India plays a key role in global cashew distribution but faces supply shortages. This, he said, presents a chance for mutual economic complementarity.

On the multilateral front, Samdech Techo reaffirmed his long-standing support for India as an ASEAN partner.

He also took the opportunity to express condolences for the loss of Indian lives in Kashmir during the April conflict with Pakistan, and briefed the Indian delegation on the current tensions with Thailand. He emphasised Cambodia’s commitment to resolving the issue peacefully, in line with international law.

By Heng Panha