Phnom Penh
Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita visited Angkor Wat in Cambodia on Wednesday and highlighted India’s strong contribution to preserving this world-famous temple.
On the final day of his Cambodia visit, Margherita expressed pride that India was the first country to support the restoration of Angkor Wat. He also visited the nearby Ta Prohm Temple and appreciated the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for its hard work in restoring and protecting these ancient monuments.
“Delighted to visit Angkor Wat, a symbol of India-Cambodia shared heritage. Proud that India was first to help with restoration,” he posted on X. He added that the ASI is doing excellent work at Ta Prohm.
India’s link with temple restoration in Cambodia dates back to 1986 when ASI started work at Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and major tourist attraction. India answered Cambodia’s call for help in 1980 and remains respected for this support even today.
Later, at Cambodia’s request, India also took on the restoration of Ta Prohm temple starting in 2003. The first two phases finished in 2015, costing about Rs 34.16 crore. The ongoing third phase started in 2016 and is expected to be completed by 2026 at a cost of Rs 29.32 crore.
Margherita’s visit aimed to strengthen India-Cambodia ties and explore cooperation in key sectors. His focus on cultural links reflects India’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s heritage and boosting friendly relations.