CINBAX-II 2026: India, Cambodia wrap up joint military exercise in Kampong Speu
Synopsis
India and Cambodia have completed CINBAX-II 2026, a 14-day joint military exercise in Kampong Speu that included drone operations, sniper training, and mortar drills. The second edition of the bilateral series marks a step-up in tactical interoperability and sits squarely within India's Act East Policy push to build durable security partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
Key Takeaways
CINBAX-II 2026 concluded on 16 May 2026 at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Provincial Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre , Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia .
The 14-day exercise involved the Indian Army and the Royal Cambodian Army conducting tactical drills in sub-conventional and semi-urban scenarios.
Training activities included drone operations , sniper training , mortar handling , and a final comprehensive validation exercise .
The exercise is part of India's Act East Policy to strengthen defence cooperation with ASEAN nations.
This is the second edition of the CINBAX series, reflecting growing institutional defence ties between the two countries.
The Indian Army and the Royal Cambodian Army concluded the second edition of their bilateral joint military exercise, CINBAX-II 2026, on 16 May 2026 at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Provincial Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. The two-week drill focused on deepening tactical coordination, interoperability, and operational synergy between the two armed forces.
Key Developments
The closing ceremony of CINBAX-II 2026 was held on 16 May 2026 at the Kampong Speu training centre. The Indian Army confirmed the event, stating that 'the Closing Ceremony of the second edition of joint military Exercise CINBAX II 2026, between the Indian Army and The Royal Cambodian Army was held on 16 May 2026, at Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Prov Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre, Kampong Speu Province, Kingdom of Cambodia.'
Over the course of 14 days, contingents from both nations carried out a structured programme of tactical drills culminating in a comprehensive validation exercise. The Indian Army noted that 'both the contingents displayed a high degree of professionalism and commitment while executing the tactical drills, which culminated with a validation exercise.'
What the Training Covered
The exercise encompassed a broad range of modern combat disciplines, including drone operations, sniper training, mortar handling, and field exercises designed to simulate sub-conventional and semi-urban warfare scenarios. The Indian Army described the exercise as underscoring 'joint coordination in planning and execution of coordinated tactical operations in a sub-conventional, semi-urban environment.'
The final validation drill was designed to stress-test operational synergy between the two armies under realistic field conditions — a standard benchmark in bilateral military engagements of this format.
Strategic Significance
CINBAX-II 2026 is the second iteration of the India-Cambodia joint exercise series, signalling a deepening of defence ties between the two countries. The Indian Army stated that the exercise 'strengthens bilateral military relations and fosters ties between the two nations.'
Notably, the drill sits within India's broader Act East Policy, which frames defence and diplomatic engagement with ASEAN member states as a strategic priority. Cambodia is a founding member of ASEAN, and exercises of this nature reinforce India's intent to build credible security partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.
India's ASEAN Defence Engagement
India has steadily expanded its military exercise footprint across Southeast Asia in recent years, conducting bilateral drills with nations including Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and Philippines. CINBAX fits this pattern — a structured, rotational format that builds institutional familiarity between armies over successive editions.
This is the second such engagement under the CINBAX framework, suggesting both sides are committed to scaling the exercise in scope and complexity in future editions. As India's strategic competition with China intensifies in the Indo-Pacific, deepening military ties with ASEAN partners carries significance well beyond bilateral optics.
Point of View
But its second edition matters strategically. Rotational bilateral drills — especially those that introduce drone and sniper components — build the kind of institutional muscle memory that one-off exercises cannot. India's Act East Policy has long been criticised for being heavier on diplomacy than on defence depth; exercises like CINBAX begin to close that gap, one edition at a time. The real question is whether India will sustain and expand the series, or whether — as has happened with some bilateral formats — it stalls after a few iterations. Cambodia's position as a historically China-leaning ASEAN member also gives this engagement a quiet but unmistakable strategic subtext.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exercise CINBAX-II 2026?
CINBAX-II 2026 is the second edition of the joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Cambodian Army, held over 14 days in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. It focused on tactical coordination, interoperability, and modern combat drills including drone operations and sniper training.
When and where did CINBAX-II 2026 conclude?
The exercise concluded on 16 May 2026 at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Provincial Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. The closing ceremony marked the end of a two-week bilateral defence engagement.
What training activities were conducted during CINBAX-II 2026?
Training activities included drone operations, sniper training, mortar handling, and field exercises simulating sub-conventional and semi-urban combat scenarios. The exercise culminated in a comprehensive validation drill to test operational synergy between the two armies.
Why is CINBAX-II 2026 significant for India?
The exercise strengthens India's defence ties with Cambodia, an ASEAN member, under India's Act East Policy. It is part of a broader Indian strategy to deepen military engagement across the Indo-Pacific region and build interoperability with Southeast Asian partner armies.
Is CINBAX a regular bilateral exercise?
Yes, CINBAX is a bilateral exercise series between the Indian Army and the Royal Cambodian Army. The 2026 edition is the second, indicating both nations intend to sustain and develop the format over successive years.
