MILITARY EXERCISE CINBAX-II 2026
Why in News?
The CINBAX-II 2026 is the second edition of the India-Cambodia Bilateral Military Exercise. It is recently in the news because the Indian Army contingent departed for Cambodia on May 3, 2026, to begin the two-week joint drill.
Key Information
- Full Name: Cambodia-India Bilateral Army Exercise.
- The exercise is scheduled to take place from May 4 to May 17, 2026, marking a significant milestone in India-Cambodia defence relations.
- Edition: This is the 2nd edition of the exercise; the inaugural edition (CINBAX-I) was held in Pune, India, in December 2024.
- Location: The 2026 drill is being held at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Provincial Training Centre (also known as Camp Basil) in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia.
- Participants:
- India: Approximately 120 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment.
- Cambodia: Approximately 160 personnel from the Royal Cambodian Army.
- Primary Objective: To enhance interoperability, coordination, and operational synergy between the two armies, particularly for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
- Mandate: The exercise is conducted under the framework of Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.
Scope and Focus Areas
- Counter-Terrorism (CT): Heavy focus on joint operations against hostile forces in sub-conventional and semi-urban environments.
- Specialised Training: Troops will engage in specific skill training, including:
- Drone operations.
- Mortar and sniper tactics.
- Tactical drills and joint planning.
- Modern Warfare: Discussions and drills will cover cyber warfare, hybrid warfare, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
- Indigenous Capability: The exercise serves as a platform for India to showcase its domestic weapons and equipment, promoting 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence production.
Strategic Significance
- Act East Policy: The exercise aligns with India's broader outreach to ASEAN nations to ensure regional security and stability.
- Global Peace: It demonstrates the commitment of both nations toward maintaining global peace through collaborative peacekeeping frameworks.
- Bilateral Ties: It reflects growing mutual trust and provides a forum to exchange "best practices" and operational experiences gained in diverse combat scenarios.
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