The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the demolition of a recently built statue of a Hindu deity in the disputed Thailand-Cambodia border area, stating that such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers worldwide and should not take place.
In an official statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered across the region as part of shared civilisational heritage, and urged both nations to resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further damage to lives, property, and heritage.
“We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity, built in recent times, and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute. Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilizational heritage. Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place. We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to resume peace and avoid any further loss of lives and damage to property and heritage,” the statement read.
Our response to media queries regarding the demolition of Hindu deity statue https://t.co/WEeDVzhUAL pic.twitter.com/hNMbKj3gNP — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2025
The statue of Lord Vishnu was allegedly destroyed by the Thai military on Monday after over two weeks of military clashes between the two nations.
OUTRAGE: India's MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal Slams Demolition of Lord Vishnu Statue! Thai army bulldozes Hindu deity statue in disputed Cambodia border zone Jaiswal: Disrespectful acts hurt global sentiments, protect shared heritage Statue from 2014 destroyed… pic.twitter.com/TBaHx7nTln — Voice Of Bharat (@Kunal_Mechrules) December 24, 2025
The Lord Vishnu statue, built in 2014, was knocked down by Thai military engineers using a bulldozer. Earlier today, Cambodia strongly criticized Thailand for destroying the Hindu statue in the disputed border zone. Clashes between the two neighboring countries began in July this year. They reached a ceasefire in July with help from US President Donald Trump, but fighting started again this month.
