Enhancing India-Cambodia Ties Through Cultural Exchange and Tourism

Author Ratul Chakraborty emphasizes that strengthening India-Cambodia relations hinges on enhancing people-to-people contact through tourism. He highlights cultural and historical ties between the nations, the challenges faced, and the potential of direct flights fostering better connectivity and deeper bilateral relations.

By Diksha Rathore: Lauding the robust cultural connections between India and Cambodia, author Ratul Chakraborty believes that enhanced travel and tourism are essential to furthering these ties. Speaking in an interview with ANI, Chakraborty emphasized that people-to-people contact is the foundation for any cultural revitalization.

Highlighting India's vast consumer class, Chakraborty remarked, 'Tourism is the base from which the two countries need to start. For any cultural revitalization, the base needs to be the people-to-people contact. Proper curation of tours and adherence to tourist etiquette are essential, especially given the large volumes of tourists.' He noted that personal interactions pave the way for business opportunities and growth.

Chakraborty has curated 'Shared Roots: Tales from the Indosphere,' a book unveiling the deep cultural and historical ties between India and Cambodia through contributions from seven diverse authors. The author praised the inaugural direct flight between New Delhi and Phnom Penh, inaugurated by Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savouen and India's Ambassador Devyani Khobragade, which is expected to significantly boost tourism.

'Walking through Cambodia reveals a blend of familiar Hindu influences and unique local adaptations,' Chakraborty stated, emphasizing the magic found in the cultural tapestry. He also addressed the geopolitical challenges and language barriers in India-Cambodia relations but remained optimistic that increased demand would resolve these issues in time.

India continues to support Cambodia through temple restoration projects and programs like ITEC and ICCR, underscoring the bilateral efforts in capacity building and development. The restoration of iconic sites like Angkor Wat, funded by India, further exemplifies this cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies.)