India has strongly reacted to the reported demolition of a statue of Bhagwan Vishnu at the Thailand–Cambodia border, saying such actions hurt the religious sentiments of people around the world. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern over the incident and urged both countries to return to dialogue and peace.

According to reports, the statue of Bhagwan Vishnu was allegedly destroyed by the Thai military on Monday. The incident took place after more than two weeks of military clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in the disputed border region. The statue, which was built in 2014, was reportedly toppled using a bulldozer by Thai military engineers. A video of the demolition circulated widely on social media, leading to public outrage.

Reacting to the incident on Wednesday, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply respected across the region and are part of a shared cultural and civilizational heritage.

“We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity, built in recent times, and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodia border dispute,” Jaiswal said in a statement. He further added, “Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilisational heritage.” India made it clear that, irrespective of territorial disputes, such acts should not take place. The MEA stressed that religious symbols and heritage must be protected, especially during times of conflict.

“Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world, and should not take place,” the MEA statement said.

India also appealed to both Thailand and Cambodia to step back from violence and resolve their issues through peaceful means. The ministry urged the two sides to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further loss. “We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to resume peace and avoid any further loss of lives, and damage to property and heritage,” the statement added.

The Vishnu statue was located in an area affected by the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. The clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbours began in July this year. Although both countries had agreed to a ceasefire in July, the fighting resumed again this month.

The ceasefire was reportedly brokered by US President Donald Trump, but despite the agreement, tensions flared up once more along the disputed border areas. The destruction of the statue has now added a cultural and religious dimension to the already tense situation.

Cambodia also condemned the demolition earlier in the day, accusing Thailand of destroying the statue inside Cambodian territory. Cambodian officials claimed that the statue was located within their borders. “The statue was inside our territory in the An Ses area,” Kim Chanpanha, a Cambodian spokesman in the border province of Preah Vihear, told AFP.

The incident has further strained relations between the two countries, which have a long history of border disputes. The area where the statue stood is considered sensitive due to overlapping territorial claims and frequent tensions.

So far, Thai authorities have not issued an official response regarding the demolition of the Vishnu statue. The absence of a statement from Thailand has added to the uncertainty and anger surrounding the incident.

The video of the statue being destroyed spread rapidly online, triggering strong reactions from people who viewed the act as disrespectful to religious beliefs. The outrage was not limited to the region, as the Vishnu statue holds religious significance for followers across many countries.

India’s response highlights the importance it places on protecting cultural and religious heritage, especially in conflict zones. By calling for peace and dialogue, New Delhi has underlined the need for restraint and respect during disputes. The MEA’s statement reflects India’s concern that actions like these can deepen tensions and hurt sentiments far beyond national borders. It also serves as a reminder that religious and cultural symbols should not become casualties of political or military conflicts.

As tensions continue along the Thailand–Cambodia border, the destruction of the Vishnu statue has become a symbol of the broader impact of the conflict, affecting not just territory and security, but also shared heritage and faith.