The Ministry of Defence announced that INS Kulish, a naval vessel, reached Ream Naval Base in Cambodia on 12 September 2026 as part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet Operational Deployment. The visit is designed to deepen ties between India’s naval forces and Cambodia’s maritime authorities. Officials from the Royal Cambodian Navy and India’s embassy in Cambodia received the ship upon arrival.
What happens during the visit
The deployment includes several activities aimed at building professional relationships between the two navies. These consist of:
- Professional meetings and exchanges between naval personnel
- Familiarisation tours of the vessel and base facilities
- Sports competitions between crew members
- Structured naval exercises and operations
These activities create opportunities for naval officers and sailors to share technical knowledge and improve how the two forces work together operationally.
Broader strategic context
The port call aligns with India’s long-standing Act East Policy, which focuses on strengthening India’s engagement across Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. It also reflects the MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. Through such deployments, India aims to promote a maritime environment in the region that remains free from coercion, open to all nations, and welcoming to peaceful cooperation.
What this means for you
This deployment shows India’s commitment to building stable relationships with its maritime neighbours through regular naval visits and joint exercises. For citizens interested in defence and foreign policy, it reflects how the Indian Navy operates beyond Indian waters to support regional security and cooperation. Such initiatives help establish channels of communication between countries that can prevent misunderstandings and build trust during times of international tension.