Hope Thailand & Cambodia will take measures for a cessation of hostilities: India
India has joined the international community in expressing concern over the ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, urging both countries to take steps to de-escalate the situation and prevent further escalation.
According to a report by News18, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is “closely monitoring the situation” between the two countries. Jaiswal added that India has close and friendly relations with both Thailand and Cambodia, and hopes that both sides will take measures for a cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation.
The border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have been ongoing for several days, with both sides exchanging gunfire and accusing each other of trespassing into their territory. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and the impact it could have on regional stability.
India’s statement comes as the international community, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has been urging the two countries to resolve their differences peacefully. The ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting held recently in Singapore issued a statement calling for the two countries to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is not new, and the two countries have had a long history of tension over the issue. The dispute dates back to the 11th century, when the Khmer Empire, which was ruled by the Angkorian Empire, stretched from modern-day Cambodia to parts of Thailand. Over the centuries, the borders between the two kingdoms were defined and redefined, with the current border being established in the 19th century.
However, in recent years, tensions between the two countries have increased, with both sides accusing each other of encroaching on their territory. The situation came to a head in 2011, when the two countries clashed over the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the border between the two countries.
The temple, which is believed to have been built in the 11th century, is considered a sacred site by both countries. However, the ownership of the temple has been disputed for centuries, with Cambodia claiming that it is part of its territory and Thailand arguing that it is part of its territory.
The dispute over the temple led to a series of clashes between the two countries, which resulted in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians. The situation was eventually resolved through international mediation, with the United Nations Security Council calling for an end to the violence and the establishment of a buffer zone around the temple.
Despite the resolution of the temple dispute, tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have continued to simmer, with both countries accusing each other of encroaching on their territory. The current border clashes are the latest in a series of incidents that have raised concerns about the stability of the region.
India’s statement urging Thailand and Cambodia to de-escalate the situation and prevent further escalation is timely and important. As a major player in the region, India has a significant interest in maintaining stability and preventing the spread of violence.
India’s relations with both Thailand and Cambodia are strong and historic, with the country having close ties with both countries. India has been a major contributor to the development of both countries, providing aid and assistance in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
In recent years, India has also been strengthening its ties with ASEAN, with the country being a key partner in the regional bloc’s efforts to promote economic integration and regional stability. India’s membership in the ASEAN Regional Forum, a regional security dialogue forum, has also helped to enhance its engagement with the region.
In conclusion, India’s statement urging Thailand and Cambodia to de-escalate the situation and prevent further escalation is a welcome development. The country’s close ties with both countries and its role as a major player in the region make its intervention timely and important.
The situation between Thailand and Cambodia is complex and sensitive, and requires a careful and nuanced approach to resolve. However, with the international community, including India, urging the two countries to engage in dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully, there is hope that the situation can be resolved without further violence.
