This article covers the historical and cultural links between India and Cambodia, India's work on restoring Cambodian temples, the Asian Traditional Textile Museum in Siem Reap and scholarships. The information comes from the MEA bilateral brief on India and Cambodia of June 2026.

According to the MEA brief of June 2026, India-Cambodia relations date back to the beginning of the Common Era (C.E.), or perhaps even earlier, when Hindu and Buddhist religious and cultural influences spread from India to Cambodia and the wider region of South East Asia.

The brief states that Cambodians are predominantly Buddhist but retain a strong influence of Brahminical rituals and mythology.

Temples showing Indian influence

The brief describes the Angkor Wat temple, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, as a testimony to the influence of Indian temple architecture. It states that Indian influences are also seen in earlier temples and historical sites in Cambodia, including:

  • Preah Vihear, dedicated to Lord Shiva and built from the late 9th century onwards;
  • Angkor Thom;
  • Bayon;
  • Ta Phrom;
  • Sambor Prei Kuk.

Restoring Angkor Wat and other temples

In 1986, responding to an appeal by the Cambodian Government, India sent a team of experts from the Archaeological Survey of India to restore Angkor Wat. The experts worked on the restoration and conservation of the temple from 1986 to 1993. The brief states that the work carried out by the Indian experts is still appreciated by Cambodia.

The restoration of another temple complex, at Ta Prohm, has been a major ongoing project. In 2018, India committed to help with the partial restoration of the ancient temple of Preah Vihear.

Asian Traditional Textile Museum

Under the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) initiative, India helped establish the Asian Traditional Textile Museum at Siem Reap. The brief describes it as one of the first of its kind in Cambodia. It was completed in December 2011.

The museum has exhibits on textiles from the Mekong Ganga region, with interactive facilities. According to the brief, it also has:

  • a training centre and workshop in textiles;
  • a fashion design and development centre using traditional ethnic designs;
  • activities for children.

Education

The brief lists ICCR scholarships for students among the existing schemes for capacity building in Cambodia.