INS Kulish Arrives at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation

September 13, 2026

Phnom Penh: Indian Navy’s INS Kulish has arrived at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base as part of the Eastern Fleet’s operational deployment, with the visit aimed at further strengthening maritime cooperation and enhancing professional linkages between the navies of the two countries.

Representatives of the Royal Cambodian Navy and officials from the Embassy of India received INS Kulish upon its arrival at Ream Naval Base, according to a Ministry of Defence statement.

The visit marks the first port call by an Indian Navy ship at Ream Naval Base.

INS Kulish Visit to Boost Naval Engagement

During INS Kulish’s stay, personnel from the two navies will participate in professional interactions, familiarisation visits, sports fixtures and structured naval engagements.

The activities will provide opportunities for personnel to exchange domain knowledge and enhance operational synergy between the Indian and Royal Cambodian navies.

“The port call forms part of India’s continuing efforts to expand maritime outreach across the Indo-Pacific and is in keeping with the Act East Policy, the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and India’s endeavour to promote a free, open and inclusive maritime environment,” the Ministry of Defence said.

The Indian Embassy in Cambodia also said that INS Kulish’s visit would strengthen maritime ties between the two nations.

India-Cambodia Defence Cooperation

The latest naval engagement comes amid growing defence cooperation between India and Cambodia.

In May, India and Cambodia held the second edition of the joint military exercise CINBAX-II 2026, a two-week bilateral defence engagement aimed at enhancing tactical and operational coordination and interoperability between the two forces.

The exercise was conducted between the Indian Army and the Royal Cambodian Army at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Provincial Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre in Cambodia’s Kampong Speu Province and concluded on May 16.

According to the Indian Army, the exercise focused on “joint coordination in planning and execution of coordinated tactical operations in a sub-conventional, semi-urban environment”.

The two contingents demonstrated a high level of professionalism during the 14-day exercise, which included tactical drills culminating in a validation exercise.

The Army said CINBAX-II 2026 strengthens bilateral military relations and fosters ties between the two nations.