India Urges Cambodia and Thailand to Exercise Restraint, Halt Hostilities, and Prevent Further Border Escalation

India Urges Cambodia and Thailand to Exercise Restraint, Halt Hostilities, and Prevent Further Border Escalation

Phnom Penh, 16 December 2025 — India has called on Cambodia and Thailand to exercise continued restraint and to take all necessary measures to immediately halt hostilities and prevent any further escalation of tensions along the border, while urging both sides to return to the path of dialogue and peace.

According to an official statement issued on 16 December 2025, Mr. Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, made the remarks in response to media inquiries concerning reported damage to materials intended for restoration and conservation work at Preah Vihear Temple amid the ongoing Thailand–Cambodia border clashes.

“We have seen reports regarding damage to materials meant for the repair and conservation of the Preah Vihear Temple during the continuing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia,” Mr. Jaiswal stated.

He emphasized that any damage to materials designated for the restoration and conservation of the temple is deeply regrettable and a matter of serious concern. “Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, constitutes the shared cultural heritage of all humanity. India has been closely involved in conservation efforts at the site. We strongly hope that all necessary measures will be strictly respected and implemented to fully safeguard the site and all materials intended for its preservation,” he added.

Reiterating India’s position, the spokesperson renewed New Delhi’s appeal to both Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint, take urgent steps to cease hostilities, prevent further escalation, and return to dialogue and peaceful engagement in the interest of regional stability and the protection of shared cultural heritage.