Cambodia has seen a rare convergence of naval diplomacy this week, as Russian and Indian warships made port calls that underline the country’s growing role in regional defence ties.

On Friday, Russia’s Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, its first visit since 2019. The vessel, carrying around 400 cadets and crew, stayed for two days before departing on Saturday. It follows the arrival of two Russian Pacific Fleet corvettes earlier this year, making Perekop the third Russian naval ship to visit Cambodia in 2026.

Russian Ambassador Anatoly Borovik framed the visit as part of celebrations marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Phnom Penh. He said the port call was not only symbolic but also practical, strengthening ties between the two countries’ militaries and offering Cambodian naval students valuable training. Some Cambodian cadets currently enrolled in a six‑year programme with Russia joined the ship during its stay.

The visit included meetings with Cambodian officials, cultural exchanges and even a football match between Russian and Cambodian sailors. Analysts in Phnom Penh described the event as a sign of deepening defence cooperation, though they cautioned that Cambodia should continue to diversify its partnerships rather than rely too heavily on one power.

That diversification was on display almost immediately. The Indian Navy’s INS Kulish is scheduled to arrive at Ream Naval Base on Friday, marking the first time an Indian vessel has docked at the facility. The port call comes during the ASEAN‑India Year of Maritime Cooperation, which aims to boost collaboration in maritime security, humanitarian assistance and the blue economy.

India’s embassy in Phnom Penh said the visit reflects New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships across Southeast Asia. Cambodia and India have already expanded defence engagement in recent years, including joint training and exercises.

Together, the two visits highlight Cambodia’s growing importance as a venue for naval diplomacy. For Russia, it is a chance to showcase longstanding ties and training programmes.

For India, it is an opportunity to deepen its footprint in ASEAN waters. For Cambodia, the dual presence signals both opportunity and challenge: the chance to gain expertise and investment, but also the need to balance relationships in a region where maritime power is increasingly contested.

-2026-09-14

And Thailand just chose the wrong side by letting the US dock.

3 hours ago, FlorC said:

And Thailand just chose the wrong side by letting the US dock.

In case you've missed it, Cambodia has ALSO let the U.S. navy dock recently.

https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2026-01-27/navy-port-call-cambodia-china-20538984.html

1 hour ago, Caldera said:

In case you've missed it, Cambodia has ALSO let the U.S. navy dock recently.

https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2026-01-27/navy-port-call-cambodia-china-20538984.html

Ok , I'll be waiting for the Russian/Chinese/Indian warships to dock in Chonburi.

Hmm. Indian Navy on "port visit" in Chonburi?

Group rates?

I went on board an Indian Naval Ship in Portsmouth donkeys years ago. They were interested in a manportable air defence system which a UK firm was trying to flog to them. We spent a couple of days bobbing around that part of the channel. They were interested in it as a cut price point defence system. We played around whilst some RAF aircraft simulated low level attacks. I suppose it would have worked, although you would probably been better off with a Bren Gun bungee corded to the guardrails!

It was unspeakably filthy. There was literally <deleted> in the showers. The whole boat stank.

Edited 16 hours ago16 hr by JAG