India expresses concern over demolition of Hindu deity’s statue in Thailand-Cambodia conflict

India on Wednesday (December 24, 2025) expressed concern over the destruction of a statue of a Hindu god in the ongoing military conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

While New Delhi encouraged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve the border dispute through dialogue and diplomacy, it said such “disrespectful” actions hurt the sentiments of its followers around the world.

“We have seen reports of the destruction of a recently constructed statue of a Hindu religious deity located in an area affected by the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal.

“Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshiped by people in the region as part of our common civilizational heritage,” he said.

Mr. Jaiswal was responding to media queries on the issue.

“Despite regional claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers worldwide and should not happen,” he said.

“We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, maintain peace, avoid further loss of life and damage to property and heritage,” Mr. Jaiswal said.

Border clashes between the two Southeast Asian countries broke out in July.

Both countries agreed to a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump in July. The fight broke out again this month.