India, Cambodia ink 4 pacts

India and Cambodia have signed four agreements to boost bilateral cooperation between both countries. The agreements were signed after comprehensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Hun Sen in New Delhi.

Key Takeaways from comprehensive talks

Defence, security and counter-terrorism: Both leaders held talks to boost ties in key areas of defence, security and counter-terrorism and called for concerted global efforts to eliminate terrorism, including blocking terror financing and dismantling terrorist bases.
Enhance bilateral defence ties: They agreed to further enhance bilateral defence ties, including through exchanges of senior-level defence personnel and capacity building projects. They also discussed exploring ways to intensify development partnership and boost ties in key sectors, including trade and investment, energy conservation, agriculture, and tourism and culture.
Maritime Security: They also expressed keen interest in enhancing cooperation in maritime domain, including preservation of coastal and marine environment, anti-piracy cooperation, security of sea lanes of communication to maintain peace and ensure safety and security of navigation in Indo-Pacific Region. They also supported complete freedom of navigation and overflight and pacific resolution of maritime issues based on international law.

Agreements signed are

• Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP): It seeks to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the friendly relations between both countries.
• Credit Line Agreement: It was signed between India’s EXIM Bank Government of Cambodia for Line of Credit (LoC) to finance Stung Sva Hab Water Resource Development Project for US$ 36.92 million.
• Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters: It seeks to improve effectiveness of both countries in prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes through cooperation and legal assistance in criminal matters.
• MoU on Cooperation for Prevention of Human Trafficking: It seeks to increase bilateral cooperation on issues of prevention, rescue and repatriation related to human trafficking.

Background

India-Cambodia bilateral relations are warm and cordial. The relations go back to 1st century AD when Hindu and Buddhist religious and cultural influences emanated out of India to various parts of Southeast Asia. Cambodians are predominantly Buddhist but retain strong influence of Hindu mythology, rituals and idolatry.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2018