Hope Thailand & Cambodia will take measures for a cessation of hostilities: India
The ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have been a subject of concern for the international community, with India being no exception. Amidst the escalating tensions, India has come out with a statement urging both countries to take measures for a cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation.
According to a report by News18, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India was “closely monitoring the situation” between the two countries. The MEA spokesperson also expressed India’s close and friendly relations with both Thailand and Cambodia, and hoped that both sides would work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have been ongoing for several days, with both sides exchanging gunfire and accusations. The tensions began after Cambodia accused Thailand of encroaching on its territory, leading to a military buildup on both sides of the border. The situation has been tense and volatile, with fears of a full-blown conflict escalating into a wider regional crisis.
India’s statement comes at a time when the international community is urging a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has also called for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops from the border. The regional bloc has been working to mediate the conflict and find a peaceful solution, with its special envoy, Prak Sokhonn, already visiting the border region to assess the situation.
India’s interest in the conflict is not surprising, given its strong diplomatic and economic ties with both Thailand and Cambodia. India has been a key player in the region, with a significant presence in Southeast Asia through its “Act East” policy. The policy aims to strengthen India’s economic and strategic ties with the region, and has seen significant investments in infrastructure, trade, and education.
India’s relations with Thailand are particularly strong, with the two countries sharing a long history of cultural and economic ties. India is one of Thailand’s largest trading partners, and the two countries have cooperated extensively on issues such as energy, infrastructure, and defense.
Cambodia, on the other hand, has been a key partner for India in the region, with the two countries cooperating on issues such as tourism, education, and healthcare. India has also been a key supporter of Cambodia’s development efforts, with significant investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and education.
In the context of the current conflict, India’s statement is significant, as it highlights the country’s commitment to regional stability and security. By urging both sides to take measures for a cessation of hostilities, India is sending a clear message that it is willing to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict peacefully.
However, the situation on the ground remains tense, with both sides refusing to back down. The Thai military has been accused of crossing into Cambodian territory, while the Cambodian military has been accused of firing on Thai troops. The situation has been exacerbated by the presence of armed groups on both sides, who are using the conflict to further their own agendas.
Despite the challenges, there are signs that a peaceful resolution is possible. The ASEAN special envoy has been working to facilitate talks between the two sides, and there have been reports of behind-the-scenes diplomacy between India, Thailand, and Cambodia.
In conclusion, India’s statement urging Thailand and Cambodia to take measures for a cessation of hostilities is a welcome development in the ongoing border clashes. The international community is watching the situation closely, and India’s commitment to regional stability and security is a significant factor in the region. As the situation on the ground remains tense, it is hoped that both sides will take the necessary steps to de-escalate the conflict and find a peaceful resolution.
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