India Voices Concern Over Demolition of Hindu Deity Statue Amid Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes

India has expressed strong concern over the demolition of a statue of a Hindu deity amid the ongoing military conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. New Delhi said such acts hurt the religious sentiments of millions of followers worldwide and called on both countries to resolve their border dispute through dialogue and diplomacy.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reacted after reports emerged that a recently built statue of a Hindu deity was destroyed in an area affected by the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict.

MEA Condemns “Disrespectful” Act

Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had taken note of the incident and described it as deeply disturbing.

“We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity, built in recent times, and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodia border dispute,” Jaiswal said.

He stressed that Hindu and Buddhist deities hold deep religious significance across South and Southeast Asia. He described them as part of a shared civilisational and cultural heritage that binds the region together.

“Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place,” he added.

Call for Dialogue and Peace

India urged both Thailand and Cambodia to step back from military action and return to dialogue. The MEA said continued fighting risks further loss of life and damage to cultural and religious heritage.

“We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to resume peace and avoid any further loss of lives and damage to property and heritage,” the MEA statement said.

India has traditionally maintained close ties with both Thailand and Cambodia and has consistently supported peaceful resolution of disputes in the region.

Border Conflict Escalates Again

The condemnation from India comes amid renewed fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The two Southeast Asian neighbours have reported fresh clashes, even as initial talks since the latest outbreak of violence got underway.

According to reports, Thailand’s military confirmed clashes in the border provinces of Sisaket and Surin. Thai forces said they responded to Cambodian BM-21 rocket attacks with artillery, tank fire and drone strikes.

The Thai army reported that one of its soldiers was injured in the Pha Mo I Daeng–Huai Ta Maria area of Sisaket province. Thai forces later carried out retaliatory strikes, targeting more than 19 Cambodian military positions.

Cambodia Reports Air Strikes and Civilian Injuries

Cambodia, however, accused Thailand of launching air attacks in civilian areas. The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence said Thai forces carried out air strikes in Banan district of Battambang province.

According to Cambodian officials, four bombs hit a residential area during the attack. The ministry claimed the strikes caused panic among civilians.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Education also released video footage that allegedly showed students fleeing a school during an air raid in the same province.

Officials further said Thai shelling injured at least two civilians in Banteay Meanchey province.

Fragile Ceasefire Under Strain

The latest clashes have raised concerns about the collapse of a ceasefire agreed upon in July. The truce was reportedly brokered by former US President Donald Trump after intense fighting earlier this year.

Despite the agreement, tensions flared up again this month, highlighting the fragile nature of peace along the disputed border.

Regional observers warn that continued escalation could destabilise the region further and threaten cultural and religious sites located near conflict zones.

India’s Message on Heritage Protection

India’s response has placed renewed focus on protecting religious and cultural heritage during armed conflicts. New Delhi’s statement underlines that military disputes should not result in damage to places or symbols of faith.

As fighting continues on the ground, India has reiterated its appeal for restraint, dialogue and respect for shared heritage, urging both sides to prioritise peace over conflict.

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