Reacting to reports and viral videos showing the destruction of a statue of Lord Vishnu, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was aware of the incident in an area affected by the Thai-Cambodia border dispute. 
“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,” he said.
Jaiswal emphasised that Hindu and Buddhist deities are “deeply revered” across the region and form part of a shared civilisational heritage. 
“Such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place,” he said, urging both Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint.
India also called on the two countries to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace and prevent further loss of life and damage to property. 
The clashes between Thailand and Cambodia began in July and, despite a ceasefire reportedly brokered by US President Donald Trump, hostilities resumed earlier this month.
Videos circulating on social media show a backhoe loader demolishing the Vishnu statue, sparking outrage among devotees and political leaders. 
According to a report by news agency AFP, Preah Vihear spokesperson Lim Chanpanha said the statue was located within Cambodian territory in the An Ses area, around 100 metres from the Thai border. 
The statue, built in 2014, was demolished on Monday, he said.

Chanpanha also condemned the act, saying the destruction of religious statues and temples worshipped by Hindu and Buddhist followers was unacceptable. 
 
The incident has added to tensions amid the fragile security situation along the disputed border.