Lord Vishnu Statue Razed Near Thai-Cambodia Border Amid Tensions, India Voices Concern

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday issued a statement on the demolition of a statue of Lord Vishnu along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The ministry said that "such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world." The reaction comes after a statue of the Hindu deity was allegedly destroyed by the Thai military as border clashes between the neighbouring countries continue despite a peace deal.

In the statement posted on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Hindu and Buddhist deities are "deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilizational heritage." The statement added: "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."