INS Kulish arrives at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base in historic first port call
Synopsis
For the first time, an Indian Navy ship has docked at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base — a facility that has attracted significant geopolitical scrutiny. INS Kulish's arrival, framed under India's MAHASAGAR doctrine and Act East Policy, is a clear signal that New Delhi is investing in institution-level maritime relationships in Southeast Asia, not just diplomatic optics.
Key Takeaways
INS Kulish arrived at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base on 13 September 2026 — the first-ever port call by an Indian Navy ship at the base.
The visit is part of the Eastern Fleet's operational deployment and aims to strengthen maritime cooperation with the Royal Cambodian Navy .
Engagements include professional interactions, familiarisation visits, sports fixtures, and structured naval activities.
The port call is aligned with India's Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
In May 2026 , India and Cambodia completed the CINBAX-II 2026 joint military exercise over 14 days in Kampong Speu Province .
Indian Navy's missile corvette INS Kulish arrived at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base on 13 September 2026 as part of the Eastern Fleet's operational deployment, marking the first-ever port call by an Indian Navy ship at the facility. The visit is aimed at deepening maritime cooperation and building professional linkages between the Indian Navy and the Royal Cambodian Navy.
Historic Arrival and Reception
Representatives of the Royal Cambodian Navy and officials from the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh received INS Kulish upon its arrival at Ream Naval Base, according to a Ministry of Defence statement. The milestone visit is notably the first time an Indian Navy vessel has called at this strategically significant base on Cambodia's southwestern coast.
What the Engagement Involves
During INS Kulish's stay, scheduled activities include professional interactions, familiarisation visits, sports fixtures, and structured naval engagements. These activities are designed to give personnel from both sides opportunities to exchange domain knowledge and enhance operational synergy between the two navies.
India's Strategic Maritime Vision
The Ministry of Defence framed the port call within the broader arc of India's foreign and maritime policy. 'The port call forms part of India's continuing efforts to expand maritime outreach across the Indo-Pacific and is in keeping with the Act East Policy, the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and India's endeavour to promote a free, open and inclusive maritime environment,' the ministry's statement said. The Indian Embassy in Cambodia separately noted that the visit strengthens maritime ties between the two nations.
Broader India-Cambodia Defence Context
The naval visit builds on a pattern of accelerating defence engagement between the two countries. In May 2026, India and Cambodia conducted CINBAX-II 2026, the second edition of their joint military exercise, held over two weeks at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Provincial Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre in Kampong Speu Province. The exercise, which concluded on 16 May, focused on 'joint coordination in planning and execution of coordinated tactical operations in a sub-conventional, semi-urban environment,' according to the Indian Army. Both contingents reportedly demonstrated 'a high degree of professionalism and commitment' during the 14-day drills.
What This Signals for the Indo-Pacific
Ream Naval Base has drawn considerable geopolitical attention in recent years given reported infrastructure upgrades and external interest in the facility. India's decision to send a naval vessel there as part of a scheduled Eastern Fleet deployment signals a deliberate effort to deepen bilateral ties with Cambodia — an ASEAN member — through consistent, institution-level engagement rather than one-off diplomacy. This is the latest in a series of Indian Navy port calls and exercises across Southeast Asia, reinforcing New Delhi's 'SAGAR' and 'MAHASAGAR' doctrines of maritime partnership. How the relationship develops from this historic first call will be closely watched across the region.
Point of View
Making India's decision to send a warship there for the first time a calculated diplomatic signal. New Delhi is effectively demonstrating that it views Cambodia as a partner worth cultivating, not ceding to rival influence. The MAHASAGAR framing elevates this beyond a routine naval visit into a doctrinal statement about India's Indo-Pacific ambitions. The real test is consistency: one port call and one joint exercise do not build a durable maritime partnership — sustained deployments, technology-sharing, and coast-guard cooperation would mark the difference between symbolism and strategy.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of INS Kulish's visit to Cambodia's Ream Naval Base?
It is the first-ever port call by an Indian Navy ship at Ream Naval Base, marking a milestone in India-Cambodia maritime relations. The visit is part of the Eastern Fleet's operational deployment and aims to strengthen professional and operational ties between the two navies.
What activities are planned during INS Kulish's stay at Ream Naval Base?
Scheduled engagements include professional interactions, familiarisation visits, sports fixtures, and structured naval activities designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and improve operational synergy between Indian and Cambodian naval personnel.
How does this visit fit into India's broader foreign policy?
The Ministry of Defence linked the port call to India's Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — which frames India's maritime outreach across the Indo-Pacific. It reflects New Delhi's push for a free, open, and inclusive maritime environment in the region.
What is CINBAX and how does it relate to this visit?
CINBAX is a bilateral joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Cambodian Army. The second edition, CINBAX-II 2026, was held in May 2026 over 14 days in Cambodia's Kampong Speu Province, focusing on coordinated tactical operations. INS Kulish's naval visit builds on this deepening defence relationship.
Why is Ream Naval Base geopolitically significant?
Ream Naval Base on Cambodia's southwestern coast has drawn regional attention due to reported infrastructure developments and external interest in the facility. India's first-ever naval port call there is widely seen as a signal of its intent to deepen ties with Cambodia and expand its strategic presence in Southeast Asia.
