Videos shared on social media platforms showed Thailand’s army using an excavator to demolish the nine-metre Hindu deity statue. (X)

India on Wednesday condemned the demolition of a Hindu deity’s statue in a Cambodian temple complex by Thailand military amid ongoing border clashes, saying that such actions hurt the sentiments of devotees around the world.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the statue had been built in recent times and was located in a region impacted by the continuing tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

“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 Thai-Cambodia border dispute,” Jaiswal said.

He said that Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered across the region and form part of a shared civilisational heritage. He said that regardless of territorial claims, such actions were hurtful and unacceptable.

“Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilisational heritage. Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world, and should not take place,” Jaiswal said.

New Delhi further urged both the neighbours to exercise restraint and return to peaceful engagement.

“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,” he added.

India’s response came as Thailand and Cambodia resumed border clashes, despite a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. During the standoff, Thai military personnel allegedly dismantled a Hindu deity statue in a disputed border zone which sparked outrage in Cambodia and renewed concerns over rising tensions.

The incident occurred in a contested area along the Thailand–Cambodia border, where Thai forces removed a large Hindu deity statue that Cambodian personnel had reportedly installed years earlier. Thai authorities said the action was taken on security grounds, arguing that the statue violated military protocols in a sensitive zone and could trigger further disputes if left in place.

Videos shared on social media platforms showed Thailand’s army using an excavator to demolish the nine-metre Hindu deity statue, which had been erected on a pedestal.

However, Cambodian leaders strongly criticised the removal, calling it a disrespectful act that undermined cultural and religious heritage. They said the statue carried deep spiritual value and its dismantling hurt long-standing traditions.

Cambodia has repeatedly alleged that Thai forces have damaged temple ruins along the border during the clashes, with Bangkok saying that Phnom Penh was positioning soldiers at the centuries-old stone structures.