CINBAX-II 2026: India–Cambodia Army Exercise in Kampong Speu

CINBAX-II: India–Cambodia army exercise

Asked by UPSCPrelims 20151 PYQ

UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.

Prelims 2015In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant/participants?Solve with answer

Battle Brief

CINBAX-II is the second edition of the India–Cambodia bilateral army exercise. It was held from 4 to 17 May 2026 at Camp Basil in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. It trained company-level troops for counter-terrorism in UN peacekeeping under Chapter VII of the UN mandate. India sent 120 personnel, mostly Maratha Light Infantry.

Fact File

Exercise: CINBAX-II (2nd edition), India–Cambodia
Dates: 4–17 May 2026
Venue: Camp Basil, Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia
Framework: Chapter VII of UN Mandate; company-level
Indian side: 120 personnel, mainly Maratha Light Infantry
Cambodian side: 160 personnel, Royal Cambodian Army

In the news

Exercise CINBAX-II: what happened?

India runs army exercises with many friendly countries. This one prepares both sides for the kind of counter-terror tasks UN peacekeepers face, in semi-urban areas.

Focus on sub-conventional operations, the counter-terror work peacekeepers meet in the field.
Skills practised include drone operations, mortar and sniper tactics.
Ends in a joint validation exercise after discussions and tactical drills.
Aim: better interoperability and coordination between the two armies.

Back Story

What does “Chapter VII of UN mandate” mean here?

The exercise is set in the frame of a UN peace operation under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which deals with threats to peace.
So drills follow peacekeeping-style rules and tasks.

Why examiners care

Why does Exercise CINBAX-II matter?

Defence diplomacy: Builds army-to-army ties with a Southeast Asian partner.
Peacekeeping: Shares field experience of counter-terror work in UN missions.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on Exercise CINBAX-II?

CINBAX = India–Cambodia army exercise; 2nd edition 2026 at Kampong Speu.
Indian contingent mainly from Maratha Light Infantry.

How to use this in Mains

GS-II Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India

As per PIB (2026-05-03): the Indian Army contingent left for the second India–Cambodia exercise CINBAX-II at Kampong Speu Province, 4–17 May 2026.
Defence ties are part of Act East.

Quotable data point
The Indian Army contingent left for the second India–Cambodia exercise CINBAX-II at Kampong Speu Province, 4–17 May 2026.
PIB: Defence: CINBAX-II, 3 May 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

CINBAX, seen in news in May 2026, is a bilateral military exercise between India and

Answer (a) & explanation

PIB (Defence), 3 May 2026: India–Cambodia exercise CINBAX-II at Kampong Speu.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

What is CINBAX-II?

The second India–Cambodia bilateral army exercise, held 4–17 May 2026 in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia.

Under what framework is CINBAX-II conducted?

Under Chapter VII of the UN mandate, with company-level joint training for sub-conventional operations.

Which Indian regiment took part in CINBAX-II?

Mostly a battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, 120 personnel in all.