CINBAX-II 2026: Indian Army joins Cambodia for bilateral military exercise
Synopsis
India and Cambodia are conducting only their second-ever bilateral military exercise, CINBAX-II 2026, with 120 Indian and 160 Cambodian troops drilling on drone ops, sniper tactics, and counter-terrorism — a signal that India's Act East defence push is quietly but steadily gaining ground in Southeast Asia.
Key Takeaways
Indian Army contingent of 120 personnel , mainly from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment , departed for Cambodia on 3 May 2026 .
Exercise CINBAX-II 2026 runs from 4 to 17 May 2026 at Camp Basil, Kampong Speu Province .
The Cambodian contingent comprises 160 personnel from the Royal Cambodian Army .
Training focuses on drone operations , sniper tactics , mortar techniques , and counter-terrorism operations under the UN Chapter VII framework.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and reflects India's growing defence engagement in Southeast Asia .
An Indian Army contingent departed for Cambodia on 3 May 2026 to take part in the second edition of the India-Cambodia Bilateral Military Exercise CINBAX-II 2026, the Defence Ministry announced on Sunday. The exercise marks a significant step in growing defence ties between the two nations amid evolving global security challenges.
Exercise Details and Venue
The joint drill is scheduled to be held from 4 to 17 May 2026 at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Prov Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre (Camp Basil), located in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. The exercise will be conducted under the framework of Chapter VII of the UN Mandate, focusing on company-level joint training for operations in a sub-conventional environment.
Troops and Composition
The Indian Army contingent comprises 120 personnel, drawn primarily from a battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. On the other side, the Cambodian contingent fields 160 personnel from the Royal Cambodian Army. Together, the two sides will undertake a series of practical exercises, tactical drills, and comprehensive discussions culminating in a full validation exercise.
Key Training Areas
Special skill training forms a central component of CINBAX-II, with both contingents practising drone operations, mortar tactics, and sniper techniques. The exercise is aligned with the current dynamics of counter-terrorism operations encountered by peacekeeping forces during UN peacekeeping missions. The primary objective, according to the Defence Ministry, is to enhance interoperability, coordination, and operational synergy between the two armies.
Strategic Significance
The Defence Ministry emphasised that CINBAX-II 2026 reflects the growing defence cooperation between India and Cambodia and is expected to strengthen bilateral relations while contributing to mutual understanding in handling regional security challenges. Notably, the exercise also provides a platform for both nations to exchange best practices and share operational experiences gained in semi-urban environments against hostile forces. This is only the second edition of the bilateral exercise, signalling that the India-Cambodia defence partnership, though relatively nascent, is gaining institutional momentum. This comes amid India's broader push to deepen defence linkages across Southeast Asia as part of its Act East Policy.
What's Next
The exercise concludes on 17 May 2026, after which both contingents are expected to carry forward shared operational learnings into their respective UN peacekeeping commitments. Observers will watch whether CINBAX evolves into an annual trilateral or expanded format as India's regional security partnerships deepen.
Point of View
But it deserves attention. India is systematically institutionalising bilateral military exercises across Southeast Asia — from Vietnam to the Philippines to now Cambodia — as a quiet but deliberate counter to China's expanding regional influence. The inclusion of drone operations and sniper tactics in only the second edition of this exercise suggests both sides are moving quickly beyond ceremonial drills toward genuinely operational training. The real metric to watch is whether CINBAX earns an annual mandate and eventually expands in troop numbers or scope, which would signal a maturing defence partnership rather than a diplomatic courtesy.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CINBAX-II 2026?
CINBAX-II 2026 is the second edition of the India-Cambodia Bilateral Military Exercise, running from 4 to 17 May 2026 at Camp Basil in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. It focuses on counter-terrorism operations, UN peacekeeping drills, drone operations, and sniper and mortar tactics.
How many Indian troops are participating in CINBAX-II?
The Indian Army contingent comprises 120 personnel, drawn primarily from a battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. The Cambodian side fields 160 personnel from the Royal Cambodian Army.
What is the objective of the India-Cambodia military exercise?
The primary objective is to enhance interoperability, coordination, and operational synergy between the two armies. The exercise also facilitates the exchange of best practices and operational experiences in counter-terrorism and semi-urban environments under the UN Chapter VII framework.
How does CINBAX-II fit into India's broader defence strategy?
The exercise is part of India's Act East Policy, which seeks to deepen defence and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations. It reflects growing India-Cambodia defence cooperation and India's broader effort to build institutional military partnerships across the region.
What special skills will be trained during CINBAX-II 2026?
Troops from both nations will train in drone operations, mortar tactics, and sniper techniques, alongside tactical exercises and comprehensive discussions aligned with current UN peacekeeping operational dynamics.
