India has expressed strong concern over the reported demolition of a Hindu deity’s statue in an area affected by the ongoing military standoff between Thailand and Cambodia, calling the act deeply hurtful to religious sentiments worldwide.
Responding to media queries on Wednesday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had taken note of reports describing the destruction of a recently built statue located near the disputed border zone. He emphasized that such actions, irrespective of territorial claims, undermine shared cultural and spiritual values across the region.
“Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across South and Southeast Asia as part of our common civilizational heritage,” Jaiswal said, underscoring the emotional and cultural impact such incidents carry beyond national borders.
India stressed that acts seen as disrespectful to religious symbols not only inflame sentiments but also risk worsening already fragile situations in conflict zones. “Such actions hurt the feelings of followers across the world and should not take place,” the spokesperson noted.
At the same time, New Delhi reiterated its call for restraint, urging both Thailand and Cambodia to return to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve their longstanding border dispute peacefully. India also appealed for renewed efforts to prevent further loss of life and damage to property, culture, and heritage.
The border tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors first escalated in July, leading to military clashes before a ceasefire was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, hostilities resurfaced again this month, raising concerns over regional stability and the safety of cultural sites caught in conflict zones.
India’s response reflects its broader diplomatic stance on protecting cultural heritage during conflicts, while advocating peaceful resolution through dialogue rather than escalation.