Forest Services
India Deploys Army Team to Cambodia for CINBAX-II 2026
In February 2026, India dispatched an Army contingent to Cambodia to participate in the second edition of the bilateral joint exercise CINBAX-II. The exercise involves approximately 150 troops from each side and focuses on counter-terrorism operations and jungle warfare tactics. Hosted by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), CINBAX-II builds on the inaugural 2024 exercise, underscoring India’s intent to deepen defence ties with Southeast Asia. This deployment reflects India’s strategic emphasis on military diplomacy under its Act East Policy, aimed at enhancing interoperability and regional security architecture.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3: Defence, Security, and Disaster Management – International military cooperation and joint exercises
- GS Paper 2: India and its Neighbourhood – India’s Act East Policy and regional security dynamics
- Essay: India’s evolving defence diplomacy and its impact on regional stability
Legal and Constitutional Framework Governing the Deployment
The deployment of Indian troops abroad for joint exercises is regulated under the Defence of India Act, 1962 and the Army Act, 1950, which provide the administrative and disciplinary framework for armed forces operations. Additionally, Section 3 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 governs international military cooperation involving foreign entities, ensuring compliance with national security and foreign policy objectives. Article 51 of the Indian Constitution mandates the promotion of international peace and security, providing a constitutional basis for India’s engagement in such exercises.
- Defence of India Act, 1962: Governs the deployment and conduct of armed forces in external operations.
- Army Act, 1950: Provides legal framework for discipline and administration of the Indian Army.
- Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010: Regulates foreign contributions and cooperation in defence engagements.
- Article 51, Constitution of India: Directs the state to promote international peace and security.
Economic Dimensions of India-Cambodia Defence Cooperation
India’s defence budget for 2025-26 stands at approximately ₹6.5 lakh crore, with an estimated 3.5% allocated to joint exercises and international military cooperation (Economic Survey 2024). Strengthening defence ties with ASEAN members like Cambodia can catalyse defence trade, which reached $2.3 billion in 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). India’s defence exports to ASEAN countries increased by 12% in 2023, totaling $450 million. Enhanced military collaboration through exercises like CINBAX-II can facilitate technology transfers and joint research and development, supporting the 'Make in India' defence initiative.
- ₹6.5 lakh crore defence budget in 2025-26; 3.5% earmarked for international cooperation.
- Defence trade with ASEAN at $2.3 billion in 2023 (SIPRI).
- India’s defence exports to ASEAN grew 12% in 2023, reaching $450 million.
- Joint exercises promote technology transfer and joint R&D, benefiting indigenous defence manufacturing.
Key Institutions Involved in CINBAX-II 2026
The Indian Army executes the operational aspects of the joint exercise, deploying troops and coordinating tactical training. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) formulates policy and provides oversight for international military cooperation. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) potentially collaborates on technology sharing and innovation. On the multilateral front, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) serves as a platform for regional defence dialogue, while the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) hosts and partners in the exercise.
- Indian Army: Tactical execution and troop deployment.
- Ministry of Defence: Policy formulation and administrative oversight.
- Defence Research and Development Organisation: Technology collaboration and innovation.
- ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting: Regional defence cooperation platform.
- Royal Cambodian Armed Forces: Host nation and joint exercise partner.
Operational and Strategic Data Points
CINBAX-II 2026 is the second iteration of the India-Cambodia bilateral exercise, following the inaugural event in 2024 (The Hindu, 2024). India has conducted over 60 joint military exercises globally in the last five years (MoD Annual Report 2023). The exercise involves around 150 troops from each side, focusing on counter-terrorism and jungle warfare, crucial for Southeast Asian terrain. Cambodia’s defence budget was approximately $300 million in 2023 (SIPRI). India’s Look East and Act East policies have increased military engagements with ASEAN by 25% since 2018 (MEA Annual Report 2023).
- CINBAX-II builds on the 2024 exercise, enhancing operational familiarity.
- 150 troops each side, training in counter-terrorism and jungle warfare.
- India’s 60+ joint exercises globally in five years demonstrate expanding defence diplomacy.
- Cambodia’s $300 million defence budget reflects limited but strategic military capacity.
- Military engagements with ASEAN up 25% since 2018 under Act East Policy.
Comparison: India-Cambodia Bilateral Exercises vs China’s Multilateral Military Engagements
| Aspect | India-Cambodia (CINBAX) | China (SCO Peace Mission) |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | ~300 troops (bilateral) | 5,000+ troops (multilateral) |
| Scope | Counter-terrorism, jungle warfare | Counter-terrorism, joint combat drills, logistics |
| Frequency | Biennial (since 2024) | Every 2-3 years since 2005 |
| Institutional Framework | Bilateral agreements, limited follow-up | Integrated SCO defence cooperation, sustained mechanisms |
| Geopolitical Reach | Focused Southeast Asia | Central and South Asia, broader Eurasia |
Critical Gap: Sustained Follow-up and Institutionalisation
India’s bilateral joint exercises like CINBAX often lack robust follow-up mechanisms for institutionalised knowledge sharing and technology transfer. This limits the long-term interoperability and strategic gains compared to China’s integrated defence cooperation frameworks under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Without sustained engagement, India risks underutilising the potential of these exercises to build comprehensive regional security partnerships.
- Absence of formalised knowledge repositories and joint doctrine development.
- Limited technology transfer agreements post-exercises.
- Contrast with China’s SCO exercises that include joint planning and sustained training cycles.
Strategic Significance and Way Forward
CINBAX-II 2026 exemplifies India’s strategic intent to deepen military diplomacy in Southeast Asia, aligning with its Act East Policy. The exercise enhances tactical interoperability and builds trust with ASEAN partners, contributing to a balanced regional security architecture. To maximise benefits, India must institutionalise follow-up mechanisms, encourage joint R&D, and expand the scale and scope of exercises. Strengthening defence ties with Cambodia also supports India’s broader geopolitical objective of countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
- Institutionalise post-exercise knowledge sharing and joint doctrine development.
- Expand joint R&D and technology transfer under DRDO collaboration.
- Increase scale and complexity of exercises to include multilateral ASEAN partners.
- Leverage defence diplomacy to balance regional power dynamics in Indo-Pacific.
- CINBAX-II involves multilateral participation from ASEAN countries.
- The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism and jungle warfare tactics.
- India’s deployment for CINBAX-II is governed under the Defence of India Act, 1962.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- India’s joint exercises with Cambodia are larger in scale than China’s SCO Peace Mission exercises.
- India’s Act East Policy has increased military engagements with ASEAN by 25% since 2018.
- China’s SCO exercises involve integrated defence cooperation frameworks and sustained follow-up.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Jharkhand & JPSC Relevance
- JPSC Paper: Paper 2 (International Relations), Paper 3 (Defence and Security)
- Jharkhand Angle: Jharkhand hosts several Indian Army training centres; understanding India’s external military engagements informs local defence recruitment and strategic awareness.
- Mains Pointer: Frame answers by linking India’s external military diplomacy with internal security preparedness and regional stability, highlighting Jharkhand’s role in training and manpower supply.
What is CINBAX and what does CINBAX-II signify?
CINBAX stands for the India-Cambodia bilateral joint military exercise. CINBAX-II is the second edition held in 2026, focusing on counter-terrorism and jungle warfare to enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
Under which legal provisions does India deploy troops for joint exercises abroad?
India’s deployment of troops abroad for joint exercises is governed primarily by the Defence of India Act, 1962 and the Army Act, 1950. Additionally, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 regulates international military cooperation.
How does CINBAX-II align with India’s Act East Policy?
CINBAX-II operationalises India’s Act East Policy by strengthening defence ties with ASEAN countries, enhancing regional security cooperation, and building interoperability with Southeast Asian militaries.
What are the economic implications of India’s military cooperation with Cambodia?
Military cooperation can boost defence trade, which was $2.3 billion with ASEAN in 2023, facilitate technology transfers, and support joint R&D under the 'Make in India' initiative, contributing to defence industrial growth.
How do India’s bilateral exercises differ from China’s multilateral exercises?
India’s bilateral exercises like CINBAX involve smaller troop contingents and limited institutional follow-up, whereas China’s multilateral SCO Peace Mission exercises involve thousands of troops with integrated defence cooperation frameworks and sustained engagement.