Key Points

Union Minister Pabitra Margherita expressed admiration for Cambodia's Ramayana murals during his Royal Palace visit. He confirmed ASI's role in restoring these cultural treasures symbolizing Indo-Cambodian ties. The trip strengthens bilateral relations through heritage conservation and ASEAN engagements. Margherita will next attend key diplomatic meetings in Malaysia as part of India's Act East Policy.

Key Points: MoS Margherita Praises Ramayana Mural at Cambodia Royal Palace

  • Margherita highlights ASI-led restoration of ancient Ramayana murals in Cambodia
  • India-Cambodia relations rooted in shared civilizational heritage
  • Visit aims to bolster ASEAN-India strategic partnership
  • Minister to review conservation work at Cambodian World Heritage Sites
2 min read

MoS Margherita 'impressed' by Ramayana mural in Royal Palace of Cambodia

Union Minister Pabitra Margherita visits Cambodia's Royal Palace, lauds Ramayana mural restoration by ASI, strengthening India-Cambodia cultural ties.

"Deeply impressed by the magnificent mural painting depicting the Ramayana, a powerful reminder of the enduring cultural ties between India and Cambodia. – Pabitra Margherita"

Phnom Penh, July 8

Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, on Tuesday visited the Royal Palace of Cambodia and saw a painting of Ramayana there.

Margherita said he was pleased that the ASI will be taking up the restoration and conservation works of these magnificent murals.

In a post on X, he said, "Visited the majestic Royal Palace of Cambodia. Deeply impressed by the magnificent mural painting depicting the Ramayana, a powerful reminder of the enduring cultural and historical ties between India and Cambodia. Pleased to know that ASI will be taking up the restoration and conservation works of these magnificent murals."

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1942443760761393586

As per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, India's excellent, close relations with Cambodia are underpinned by shared civilizational heritage and a robust, people-centric development partnership.

The visit would further bolster our bilateral ties and provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on advancing initiatives and issues of mutual interest in diverse sectors. MOS (PM) would be calling on the senior leadership of Cambodia, and would interact with ITEC/ ICCR Alumni, as well as members of the Indian community, as per a statement by the MEA.

He would also review the extensive restoration and conservation work carried out by India at World Heritage Sites in Cambodia, which are also symbols of our shared culture.

MoS (PM) will thereafter be visiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 10-11 July 2025, at the invitation of the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia. MoS (PM) will participate in the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

India and ASEAN share cultural and civilizational bonds. ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision. The visit will renew India's deep engagement with the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, underline our strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as per MEA.

Margherita is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other countries in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the margins of the ASEAN-related meetings, the statement said.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an art historian, I'm thrilled by this news! The Ramayana murals in Cambodia show how Indian epics traveled across Southeast Asia. But I hope the restoration maintains the original Cambodian artistic style rather than imposing Indian interpretations.
P
Priya S
Wow! My grandparents used to tell me stories about how Ramayana is celebrated in Indonesia and Thailand too. India's soft power through culture is unmatched ❤️ More such initiatives needed to strengthen our ties with ASEAN nations.
V
Vikram M
While this is good news, I hope the government is equally focused on preserving our own ancient monuments in India. Many heritage sites here are in terrible condition. Charity begins at home!
R
Rohit P
The Ramayana mural is proof that India's cultural influence spread far and wide in ancient times. Makes me wonder - when will we see Cambodia's Angkor Wat style temples being built in India? Our ancestors were truly global!
K
Kavya N
Such initiatives make me emotional 🥺 Our epics have united people across Asia for centuries. Hope the younger generation learns about these cultural connections beyond just politics and economics.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50