India on Wednesday expressed concern over the demolition of a statue of Lord Vishnu near the Thailand&ndash;Cambodia border, stating that such actions deeply hurt the sentiments of followers across the world. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised the cultural and religious importance of Hindu and Buddhist deities in the region.
According to reports, the Vishnu statue was destroyed earlier this week by the Thai military amid ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. The statue, constructed in 2014, was located in a disputed border area that has witnessed military clashes for over two weeks. A video of the statue being toppled by heavy machinery circulated widely on social media, triggering outrage.
The MEA noted that religious sites and deities in the region represent a shared civilisational heritage and are revered by communities across South and Southeast Asia. It urged both Thailand and Cambodia to avoid actions that could inflame religious sentiments, regardless of territorial disputes.
India also called on both sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and prevent further loss of life, property damage, and destruction of cultural heritage.
Earlier, Cambodian authorities criticised Thailand over the incident, asserting that the statue was located within Cambodian territory in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province. Thai authorities have not yet issued an official response.
Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated in July this year. Although a ceasefire was announced following international mediation, clashes reportedly resumed earlier this month.

MEA urges restraint after Hindu deity statue destroyed near Thailand–Cambodia border

India Reacts To Vishnu Statue Demolition

MEA urges restraint after Hindu deity statue destroyed near Thailand–Cambodia border

December 25, 2025 | 11:54 IST