India’s Role in Supporting Cambodia’s Digitalization Journey.

In recent years, Cambodia has been taking significant steps toward digital transformation, aiming to modernize its governance, infrastructure, and economy. This effort is a continuation of the country’s historical relationship with India, a nation that has long supported Cambodia’s technological and digital advancements. India’s expertise, particularly as the world’s leading exporter of information technology (IT), has played a crucial role in fostering a partnership that promotes Cambodia’s growth in the digital era. As Prime Minister Hun Manet continues to focus on building a digital society, India’s support is increasingly vital in helping Cambodia realize its ambitions.

Cambodia’s Digitalization Efforts

Since taking office, Prime Minister Hun Manet has made it clear that digital governance is one of his administration’s top priorities. His vision includes streamlining public services, increasing productivity, and positioning Cambodia as an attractive destination for international investors. Cambodia’s digital transformation is seen as a key driver of long-term economic prosperity in an increasingly connected global economy.

A significant step toward this goal is the commitment to building modern digital infrastructure, which is essential for fostering an environment that supports business growth and innovation. As Cambodia seeks to improve its digital capabilities, India’s role in supporting these developments has become more pronounced.

India’s Commitment to Cambodia’s Digital Growth

India, known for its technological prowess, has stepped in to empower Cambodia’s digitalization efforts. In August 2024, during the Quad Familiarization Visit for journalists, India’s commitment to fostering digital cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries, including Cambodia, was emphasized. The visit brought together journalists from various nations to discuss India’s approach to enhancing technological collaboration in the region.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar noted, “The Union Government of the Republic of India is making efforts to strengthen cooperation in the digital domain, ensuring supply chain and addressing the impact of climate change with countries across the Indo-Pacific region for economic reforms.” His statement highlighted India’s proactive stance in addressing global challenges through digital collaboration.

During the visit, participants from Cambodia and other countries were exposed to India’s advanced IT infrastructure and its potential applications in boosting Cambodia’s technological landscape. India’s vast experience in IT exports, digital governance, and fintech makes it a valuable partner in Cambodia’s digital journey.

Cambodia-India Digital Collaboration

The relationship between Cambodia and India in the realm of technology is growing stronger. Harsh V. Pant, Vice President of Studies & Foreign Policy at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), pointed out during discussions on day two of the Quad Visit that India’s expertise in digital infrastructure can significantly benefit Cambodia. “What India can offer to Cambodia is the development of digital infrastructure as we specialize in terms of technology and digital platforms,” Pant said. This development includes collaborations in areas like e-governance, digital payments, and education, complementing China’s investments in Cambodia’s hard infrastructure.

The collaboration between the two nations is not new. India has consistently supported Cambodia’s technological advancements through initiatives like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), which offers scholarships and training to Cambodians in various tech-related fields. According to Dr. Chey Tech, a socio-economic researcher, India’s support aligns with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s (RGC) priorities. “Cambodia and India have been fostering a strong relationship in the realm of technology development,” Dr. Tech said, stressing the importance of focusing on capacity building and knowledge transfer over the next five years.

The Benefits of India’s Expertise

India’s technological expertise presents numerous opportunities for Cambodia. From developing IT parks to promoting digital innovation, India’s support could be a game-changer in Cambodia’s quest to modernize its economy. Furthermore, India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) could revolutionize Cambodia’s digital payment landscape, enhancing secure and seamless transactions across the Kingdom. This collaboration in fintech, along with efforts in digital health and education, could transform key sectors of Cambodia’s economy.

Niraj Gupta, Director of Macro Computing Solutions Co. Ltd., believes that Cambodia’s digital infrastructure can benefit greatly from India’s involvement. “India has shared technical expertise through scholarships, training, and joint programs under schemes like ITEC. These collaborations support Cambodia’s digital transformation and align with India’s outreach to Southeast Asia,” Gupta said.

Cambodia’s Strategic Position and India’s Global Role

India’s growing influence on the global stage, especially in the digital domain, is expected to have a lasting impact on Cambodia’s development. As emerging powers like India and China continue to expand their influence, Cambodia stands to benefit from maintaining strong relationships with both nations. Dr. Seun Sam, a policy analyst from the Royal Academy of Cambodia, emphasized this point: “We recognized India’s strong reputation in technology among developed nations. However, when compared to China, China has made greater strides in digital development.” While China has dominated in physical infrastructure, India’s strength lies in the digital and technological realms.

India’s ambition to play a larger role in Cambodia’s digital growth is evident in its plans to launch a robotic space station by 2028. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has already made significant strides in space exploration, and its achievements reflect the country’s broader goals of advancing technology on the global stage. Cambodia, with its growing digital infrastructure needs, could benefit from India’s expertise in both digital governance and technological innovation.

The Future of Cambodia-India Cooperation

Looking ahead, the partnership between Cambodia and India is likely to grow stronger, particularly in the digital sector. Dr. Tech believes that the next five years should focus on five key areas of cooperation: capacity building, knowledge transfer, joint projects, increased investment in Cambodia’s tech sector, and educational opportunities for Cambodians to study IT in India. These initiatives will not only accelerate Cambodia’s digitalization but also create a foundation for long-term economic development.

As India continues to push its technological boundaries, its collaboration with Cambodia will be instrumental in helping the Kingdom achieve its digital goals. With India’s vast experience in IT and Cambodia’s ambition to become a digital hub in the region, the future of this partnership looks promising.

What Do You Think?

As Cambodia and India strengthen their digital collaboration, many exciting developments are on the horizon. From IT infrastructure to digital payments and education, this partnership has the potential to transform Cambodia’s economy. What are your thoughts on Cambodia’s digital future? How do you think India’s involvement will shape the Kingdom’s digitalization efforts? Share your opinions and join the conversation on the future of Cambodia’s digital transformation.