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India's P Kumaran Visits Cambodia Temples, Boosts Heritage & Trade Ties

Indian Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) P. Kumaran visited the Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia, highlighting India's ongoing restoration work led by the Archaeological Survey of India. He also visited the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Asian Traditional Textile Museum, showcasing shared cultural heritage. Kumaran held meetings with Cambodian officials, including Secretary of State KHY Sovanratana, to review capacity-building initiatives and discuss expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and development. The visit underscores the warm bilateral relations and Cambodia's importance as a partner under India's 'Act East' policy.

Key Points: Indian MEA Secretary P Kumaran Visits Temples in Cambodia

  • India's ASI leading Ta Prohm restoration
  • Angkor Wat a shared civilizational heritage
  • Talks on trade, investment & development
  • Review of capacity building initiatives
  • Visit to Mekong-Ganga Textile Museum
2 min read

MEA Secretary P Kumaran visits Ta Prohm Temple and Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia

MEA Secretary P Kumaran visits Angkor Wat & Ta Prohm, reviews India-led restoration and discusses expanding trade & heritage cooperation with Cambodia.

"Two phases have been successfully completed, with the third phase currently underway. - Randhir Jaiswal"

Phnom Penh, March 22

Indian Ministry of External Affairs's Secretary, East, P. Kumaran, visited Ta Prohm Temple and Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia's Siem Reap on Sunday.

In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: "Secretary (East) Shri P. Kumaran visited Ta Prohm Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where the Archaeological Survey of India is leading restoration and conservation efforts. Two phases have been successfully completed, with the third phase currently underway."

The Angkor Wat Temple is the world's largest ancient temple complex in Cambodia and is a shared India-Cambodia civilisational heritage.

"Secretary (East) Shri P Kumaran visited the Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap, the world's largest ancient temple complex in Cambodia and a magnificent symbol of India-Cambodia shared civilizational heritage. From 1986-1993, India was the first country to extend support for its restoration," Jaiswal posted.

Kumaran also visited the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Asian Traditional Textile Museum in Siem Reap on Saturday, Jaiswal said, adding: "The first museum of its kind in the country, it showcases rich textile traditions from the Mekong-Ganga region, highlighting shared cultural heritage."

On Friday, Kumaran held a meeting with a Cambodian delegation led by Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, KHY Sovanratana, and discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investments, heritage conservation and development partnership.

"Secretary (East) Shri P Kumaran met a Cambodian delegation led by Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. KHY Sovanratana to review India's capacity building initiatives for Cambodia, including training of Cambodian diplomats at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), Ministry of External Affairs. They also discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investments, heritage conservation and development partnership," Jaiswal posted on X.

India and Cambodia share warm and cordial relations. In the context of India's 'Act East' policy and ASEAN, Cambodia is an important interlocutor and a good partner, according to the Indian Embassy in Cambodia.

In contemporary times, cooperation between two nations has expanded in various fields such as institutional capacity building, human resource development and extension of financial assistance in infrastructure projects, social security projects and capacity building in defence.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Angkor Wat, seeing India's role in its restoration adds a whole new layer of appreciation. The craftsmanship and shared history are astounding. Glad to see diplomacy focusing on culture and heritage alongside trade.
P
Priya S
While I appreciate the cultural outreach, I hope our own historical sites within India receive equal attention and funding. Many of our monuments are in dire need of conservation. The balance between international projects and domestic needs is crucial.
V
Vikram M
The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation museum sounds fascinating! Textiles tell such rich stories. This is soft power done right - building bridges through shared culture and history. Our Act East policy seems to be moving beyond just economics, which is great.
R
Rohit P
Training Cambodian diplomats at SSIFS is a smart, long-term investment. Building personal and institutional relationships now will pay off for decades. Strong ties with ASEAN nations are vital for India's strategic and economic future. Good work, MEA!
K
Kavya N
Heartwarming to read this. Jai Hind! Our ancient connections with Cambodia are a matter of pride. Hope more Indians get to visit and see this magnificent shared heritage. Maybe direct flights from more Indian cities to Siem Reap?

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