(Sihanoukville): Indian Naval Ship INS Kulish departed from Cambodia today on 15 September 2026, concluding a landmark port call that marked the first visit by an Indian Navy ship to Ream Naval Base.
The port call further strengthened the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Cambodia and provided an opportunity for personnel of the Indian Navy and Royal Cambodian Navy to engage across a wide spectrum of professional, operational, sporting and cultural activities.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Kulish undertook courtesy calls on senior Cambodian dignitaries, including RAdm Mey Dina, Commander Ream Naval Base, Mang Sineth, Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province and Lou Kim Chhun, Delegate of the Royal Government of Cambodia in Charge as Chairman and CEO of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port Authority.
The engagements provided an opportunity to exchange views on maritime cooperation and identify avenues for further strengthening bilateral naval engagement.
A reception was hosted onboard INS Kulish, which was graced by Gen Tea Vinh, Secretary of State, Ministry of National Defence as the Chief Guest, Mang Sineth, Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province, Gen Mao Sophan, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Commander of Royal Cambodian Army, Ambassador of India Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, senior officials from the Ministry of National Defence and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, representatives of the Royal Government of Cambodia, members of the diplomatic community and other distinguished guests.
The reception highlighted the warmth and depth of India-Cambodia relations and provided an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding bonds of friendship between the two countries.
As part of professional exchange, the two Navies undertook joint training on three essential parts of effective seamanship, damage control, fire-fighting and provision of first-aid.
A friendly Volleyball match was organised between the two Navies, providing an informal platform for Sailors and Officers to interact, build camaraderie and strengthen the bonds of friendship that underpin India-Cambodia defence cooperation.
The successful conduct of the port call demonstrates the growing scope and depth of India-Cambodia maritime engagement. It builds upon a history of Indian Naval and Coast Guard Ship visits to Cambodia, including INS Sudarshini in 2012; INS Ranvir and INS Kamorta in 2015; INS Kadmatt in 2017; ICGS Vijit and INS Sahyadri/INS Kiltan in 2019; INS Kiltan under Mission SAGAR-III in 2020; INS Delhi and INS Satpura in 2023; and INS Sujata and ICGS Veera in 2025.
The port call of INS Kulish has added another important chapter to the Bridges of Friendship between India and Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS
