India Condemns Thai Forces Over Demolition of Hindu Deity Statue in Cambodia’s Territory

NEW DELHI / PHNOM PENH (Dec. 25, 2025) — India has formally condemned Thai forces over the demolition of a Hindu religious statue inside Cambodian territory, warning that the act has deeply hurt religious sentiments worldwide and raised urgent concerns over the protection of cultural heritage.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had taken note of reports regarding the destruction of a Hindu deity statue in an area affected by the ongoing border conflict.

“Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered across the region as part of our shared civilizational heritage. Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place,” Jaiswal said. He urged both Cambodia and Thailand to return to dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further loss of life, property damage and destruction of sacred sites.

The condemnation followed remarks by former Indian Member of Parliament Vijayasai Reddy, who described the demolition as “unacceptable,” criticizing the targeting of religious symbols under the pretext of a border dispute.

Thai caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, quoted by Thai media, responded: “A destroyed statue cannot be compared with the limbs our soldiers have lost, nor can it be compared with acts of desecration. I would not make such a comparison at all.”

Cambodian authorities said the demolished statue is not the first sacred monument affected, citing damage to UNESCO World Heritage Preah Vihear Temple and other ancient sites.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts accused Thai forces of aerial bombardments that destroyed pagodas, sacred Vishnu and Ta Um statues, and Ta Krabey Temple, calling the attacks grave violations of international conventions protecting cultural heritage during armed conflict.

Officials warned that continued strikes on heritage sites, including the ancient Spean Toab Bridge in Oddar Meanchey province, risk irreversible loss of irreplaceable cultural and spiritual landmarks.