Phnom Penh: Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita, on the final day of his Cambodia visit, toured the iconic Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm temples, reaffirming India’s long-standing commitment to restoring Southeast Asia’s sacred heritage.

Describing Angkor Wat as a “magnificent symbol of India-Cambodia shared civilisational heritage,” the MoS highlighted India’s pioneering role in restoration efforts. India, he noted, was the first nation to answer Cambodia’s appeal for conservation support in the 1980s.

At Ta Prohm, Margherita praised the Archaeological Survey of India’s decades-long restoration work, which began in 2003 and continues into its third phase, expected to conclude in 2026. The ASI’s meticulous craftsmanship has earned wide acclaim, reflecting India’s soft power through cultural diplomacy.

The restoration at Angkor Wat (1986–1993) and ongoing conservation at Ta Prohm are emblematic of India’s leadership in global heritage preservation, in collaboration with the Cambodian government and UNESCO.