Maratha Warriors Land in Cambodia: CINBAX-II Kicks Off in Kampong Speu
KAMPONG SPEU, CAMBODIA — As the sun rises over the Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre today, May 4, 2026, a new chapter in Indo-Pacific security is being written. The second edition of the India-Cambodia Joint Military Exercise (CINBAX-II) has officially commenced, bringing together the battle-hardened expertise of the Indian Army and the strategic agility of the Royal Cambodian Army.
For newsdash.in, this isn’t just a military drill; it’s a high-stakes masterclass in “Act East” diplomacy, executed with boots on the ground.
The ‘Ganpat’ Spirit in Cambodia
The Indian contingent, a 120-member strong team, is spearheaded by a battalion from the legendary Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. Known for their historical resilience and “Ganpati Bappa Morya” war cry, these soldiers are joined by 160 personnel from the Royal Cambodian Army.
- The Mandate: Conducted under the UN Charter’s Chapter VII, which authorizes the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
- The Scale: Company-level joint operations designed to test grit in a “sub-conventional environment”—where the enemy isn’t a traditional army, but a shadow.
Tactical Focus: Counter-Terrorism & Urban Shadows
CINBAX-II is moving beyond the parade grounds and into the complexities of semi-urban combat. The 14-day exercise (May 4–17) will focus on:
- Counter-Terrorism Operations: Aligning with real-world UN Peacekeeping scenarios.
- Interoperability: Ensuring that an Indian Major and a Cambodian Captain can communicate and execute a mission with seamless “operational synergy.”
- Best Practice Exchange: Sharing “combat-proven” strategies from India’s extensive experience in insurgency-hit regions.
The Strategic Chessboard
The exercise underscores the deepening defense architecture between New Delhi and Phnom Penh. By choosing Cambodia as a training partner, India is signaling its commitment to being a “Preferred Security Partner” in Southeast Asia.
In a region often caught between competing global powers, CINBAX-II provides Cambodia with a neutral, high-quality training alternative, while India gains a strategic foothold in a critical maritime and land corridor.