Royal Bhutan Army’s Chief Operations Officer Concludes India Visit, Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties
New Delhi, February 6 – The Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA), Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, has concluded his six-day visit to India, further strengthening military cooperation between the two nations. The visit, held from February 1 to February 6, focused on deepening defence collaboration, exploring new avenues of partnership, and reaffirming the strong military ties shared by India and Bhutan.
A Deep-Rooted Partnership
India and Bhutan share a long-standing and strategic defence relationship, which dates back to the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 and renewed in 2007. This treaty serves as the foundation for mutual trust and security collaboration between the two nations. India has played a crucial role in Bhutan’s defence preparedness by providing military training, strategic support, and equipment to the Royal Bhutan Army.
The Indian Army, through an official statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the significance of the visit. “This visit reinforced bilateral military cooperation, explored new avenues for defence collaboration, and reaffirmed the enduring bond between both armies,” stated the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army.
High-Level Meetings and Strategic Discussions
Lieutenant General Tshering engaged in discussions with senior Indian defence officials during his visit. On February 4, he met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi to discuss various aspects of the India-Bhutan defence partnership. Singh reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Bhutan in strengthening its defence capabilities, including the provision of military equipment and capacity-building initiatives.
This engagement is part of India’s broader Neighbourhood First policy, which prioritizes strong diplomatic and security relations with its neighbouring countries. Bhutan, as one of India’s closest allies, benefits from extensive defence cooperation, particularly in training its military personnel at Indian defence institutions.
Lieutenant General Tshering expressed gratitude for India’s ongoing support and emphasized Bhutan’s commitment to working alongside India in maintaining regional stability and security.
Symbolic Gestures of Military Brotherhood
As part of his visit, Lieutenant General Tshering laid a wreath at the Vijay Smarak war memorial at the Eastern Command Army Headquarters in Kolkata. This tribute was conducted in the presence of Lieutenant General R.C. Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Eastern Command. The ceremony highlighted the shared military history and mutual respect between the two nations.
Additionally, the Bhutanese military leader interacted with senior Indian Army officials and inspected defence installations, further strengthening operational coordination and interoperability between the two armies.
A Model for Regional Security
The India-Bhutan defence relationship serves as a model for regional security cooperation based on trust and mutual benefit. Their long-standing collaboration includes high-level military exchanges, joint training exercises, and technological partnerships. The Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Bhutan continues to play a vital role in training RBA personnel.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering’s visit reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of both India and Bhutan to deepening military cooperation. As Bhutan modernizes its defence forces, India’s role as a trusted partner remains crucial. The visit not only reinforced existing ties but also paved the way for new security initiatives aimed at enhancing regional stability and mutual prosperity.
With evolving geopolitical challenges in South Asia, the India-Bhutan military partnership remains a cornerstone of regional security, ensuring peace and strategic alignment for both nations.
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