The inaugural edition of the Cambodia-India Bilateral Army Exercise (CINBAX-I) concluded at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, marking a significant milestone in defense collaboration between the two nations. This exercise brought together twenty personnel from the armies of Cambodia and India, with a primary focus on enhancing operational synergy and familiarizing the Cambodian contingent with the responsibilities of staff officers during United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
CINBAX-I served as a platform for showcasing India’s military training expertise, advanced defense technology, and modern military practices. A notable aspect of the exercise was a planning segment dedicated to wargaming joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations as outlined in Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. Discussions also included establishing a Joint Training Task Force aimed at improving Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, as well as operational planning for Counter-Terrorism environments and the strategic use of force multipliers in sub-conventional scenarios, according to statements made by an Army spokesperson.
The exercise included practical components such as live firing sessions at the Baffle Range, where both Cambodian and Indian contingents had the opportunity to demonstrate their operational capabilities in real-time scenarios. Additionally, the Cambodian delegation visited the College of Military Engineering, where they were briefed on various Humanitarian Mine Action techniques that are critical in UN missions. This portion of the training emphasized important aspects of military operations, such as Anti-IED and Explosive Countermeasures, including the application of canine units for detecting explosives. Demonstrations were also conducted showcasing advanced equipment utilized by the Indian Army Corps of Engineers.
The exhibition of New Generation Equipment (NGE) was a highlight, featuring a range of advanced weaponry including NEGEV Light Machine Guns, SIG 716 rifles, mortar systems, sniper rifles, and thermal imaging instruments. These displays not only illustrated India’s cutting-edge defense capabilities but also served to deepen the mutual understanding and operational familiarity between the two countries’ armed forces.
CINBAX-I significantly contributed to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation while underscoring India’s commitment as a partner in international efforts aimed at capacity building for global peacekeeping and counter-terrorism initiatives. The exercise stands as a testament to the growing partnership between Cambodia and India in the realm of defense, signaling a shared commitment to enhancing regional stability and security.
