The Indian Army will conduct tailor made courses in various contemporary subjects at its premier training establishments and deploy a training team to Cambodia, the Defence Ministry announced on Friday.

Lieutenant General Hun Manet, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army arrived in India for a three-day visit, from February 2 to 4 along with a delegation.

Manet was accorded a ceremonial reception and guard of honour at the South Block lawns after which he called on Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande.

It is a big milestone, as for the first time a Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army has visited India. It is also a significant boost to the Army relations of both countries.

During the meeting, General Pande reaffirmed India's support to Cambodia by offering customised training modules for the Royal Cambodian Army, while Lt Gen Manet announced the schedule for the conduct of the first army-to-army staff talks in Cambodia.

Both the chiefs signed the terms of reference for staff talks and exchanged customised training folders.

Lieutenant General Manet on February 3 began his trip by paying tributes to the fallen warriors of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. 

The Department of Defense Production (DDP) and the Army Design Bureau briefed him on the Indian indigenous defence equipment production eco-system after he called on Giridhar Aramane, the Defence Secretary. 

On Saturday, Lt Gen Hun Manet visited Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre, Delhi. He was briefed on training activities & infrastructure and also witnessed the display of Indigenous Defence Equipment.

India and Cambodia have shared centuries old cultural, religious and people to people connect. Cambodia remains a key partner in India’s ‘Act East’ policy. Both nations share cordial relations in the field of defence and security. Defence Cooperation between both countries is governed by Bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2007. Military relations between India and Cambodia have grown over the recent past and are planned to expand in various fields such as training cooperation, Counter-IED, demining and UN Peacekeeping. Bilateral mechanism between both the Armies is being institutionalised by means of Army to Army Staff Talks which will enhance the defence cooperation between the two countries.

Image source: PIB