Embassy of India

Phnom Penh

PRESS RELEASE

On 24 June 2021 Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India, flagged off Bajaj tuk-tuks (three-wheelers) from the Embassy premises, carrying the infographics of Incredible India posters of Buddhist sites in Bihar and Maharashtra States of India. In all, 40 tuk-tuks displaying these posters will fly on the streets of Phnom Penh for a period of 3 months.

On the occasion, Ambassador Khobragade said that she is happy to note that India-made tuk-tuks are a common mode of transport in Cambodia. She extended her wishes to the President of the Tuk-Tuk Association and hoped that this gesture will help tuk-tuk drivers who have suffered the loss of jobs and hardships during Covid-19 pandemic.

Ambassador also stated that she chose Bihar and Maharashtra as both the States have Buddhist pilgrimage sites where Cambodians would like to visit after the pandemic, and mentioned Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi’s special efforts to leverage Buddhist linkages with ASEAN and East Asian countries.

She hoped that this unique way of advertisement will promote prominent tourist/pilgrimage destinations in India which are celebrating their 75th anniversary of Independence in 2022.

Earlier, on the same day, Ambassador Khobragade attended an event at City Hall related to donations of Ambulances by Bajaj Auto Co. to Phnom Penh City. For this purpose, Bajaj auto-rickshaws were redesigned to serve as Ambulances. The event was also attended by H.E Huot Hay, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality.