Cambodia and India Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

Strategic Insights -

Cambodia and India have a long history of diplomatic relations and economic ties, with both nations seeking to expand their cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, security, and tourism. In a recent meeting, Prime Minister Hun Manet and Pabitra Margherita, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, discussed the potential for further cooperation between the two countries. The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations, with both nations pledging to continue working together on various fronts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The total trade volume between Cambodia and India reached nearly $160 million in the first five months of 2025, with a 1.8% increase over the same period last year.
  • Cambodian exports to India totaled $54.78 million, a 28% decline, while imports from India reached $102.79 million, a 30.8% increase.
  • In 2024, the total trade volume between the two countries was $345.04 million, a 29% decline compared to the previous year, with Cambodian exports to India decreasing by 47.3% and imports from India increasing by 1%.
  • The number of Indian tourists visiting Cambodia decreased by 4.6% to 30,752 in the first five months of 2025, despite a 11.7% increase in international tourists to 2.95 million.
  • Cambodia's national carrier Air Cambodia operates direct flights between Phnom Penh and New Delhi, facilitating travel between the two countries.
  • Both Cambodia and India have pledged to continue strengthening and expanding cooperation in key areas such as the economy, trade, investment, security, culture, education, health, tourism, aviation, and textiles.

Statistics:

  • Total trade volume between Cambodia and India: $156.96 million (January to May 2025), up 1.8%
  • Cambodian exports to India: $54.78 million (first five months of 2025), down 28%
  • Indian imports to Cambodia: $102.79 million (first five months of 2025), up 30.8%
  • Total trade volume between Cambodia and India in 2024: $345.04 million, a 29% decline
  • Number of Indian tourists visiting Cambodia in the first five months of 2025: 30,752, down 4.6% from the same period in 2024
  • Number of international tourists visiting Cambodia in the first five months of 2025: 2.95 million, up 11.7% from the same period in 2024

Sources:

  • [Cambodia and India Vow to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation, The Phnom Penh Post, July 7, 2025]
  • [Cambodia, India agree to boost cooperation, Khmer Times, July 7, 2025]
  • [General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), Trade Data]
  • [Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Statistics]
  • [Air Cambodia, Flight Schedule]