General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, is on a significant four-day official visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan. The objective of this high-level military engagement is to further deepen the longstanding and robust defense partnership between India and Bhutan, while also reviewing ongoing strategic cooperation under various bilateral frameworks.
The visit marks a continuation of India’s enduring commitment to bolstering regional stability and enhancing defense interoperability with Bhutan, a key strategic partner in the Himalayas. General Dwivedi’s visit underscores the importance India places on military diplomacy and defense coordination with friendly foreign countries, particularly those along its northern frontier.
Chief Of Army Staff In High-Level Engagements with Bhutanese To Brass
Upon arrival in Bhutan, General Upendra Dwivedi was ceremonially received by senior Royal Bhutan Army officials and accorded a Guard of Honour, signifying the deep mutual respect and camaraderie between the two militaries. The formal welcome reflects the long-standing defense relationship and strategic trust shared between India and Bhutan, underpinned by decades of military collaboration and people-to-people ties.
Chief Of Army Staff’s Official Bhutan Itinerary
As part of the official itinerary, General Dwivedi will have the honor of calling on His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the revered monarch of Bhutan. The meeting is expected to cover matters of mutual interest, including regional security dynamics, the evolving geopolitical landscape in South Asia, and ways to further strengthen the India-Bhutan defense partnership.
In addition, the Chief of Army Staff will engage in discussions with Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA). These talks will focus on operational cooperation, joint training initiatives, strategic infrastructure development, and future collaboration under bilateral defense mechanisms.
Such senior-level interactions reflect the shared vision of both militaries towards maintaining peace, enhancing situational awareness in the region, and strengthening response mechanisms to emerging threats.
Interaction with Indian Defence Institutions in Bhutan
General Dwivedi is also scheduled to interact with key Indian defense establishments operating within Bhutan. These include the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), one of India’s oldest overseas military training missions, and Project DANTAK, a vital Border Roads Organisation (BRO) initiative contributing to Bhutan’s infrastructure and connectivity.
- IMTRAT, headquartered in Haa, plays a pivotal role in training and mentoring the Royal Bhutan Army and is a symbol of India’s long-term military assistance to Bhutan.
- Project DANTAK, operational since 1961, has been instrumental in the construction of roads, bridges, airfields, and other critical infrastructure in Bhutan, thereby reinforcing defence preparedness and facilitating economic growth.
Strategic Importance of the India-Bhutan Defence Relationship
India and Bhutan share an exemplary bilateral relationship rooted in mutual respect, trust, and strategic convergence. The defense cooperation between the two nations includes regular joint training exercises, high-level military exchanges, coordinated border management, and defense infrastructure development.
In recent years, the strategic relevance of Bhutan has grown due to its geographic proximity to the tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan, particularly in light of regional developments in the Indo-Pacific and the Himalayas. Sustained military engagement with Bhutan is therefore vital not only for bilateral security but also for preserving peace and deterrence in the region.
India’s consistent engagement with Bhutan supports the broader objectives of the Neighbourhood First Policy and the Act East Policy, which aim to enhance regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships.
Chief of Army Staff Reinforcing a Time-Tested Partnership
The Chief of Army Staff’s visit reiterates India’s unwavering commitment to Bhutan’s sovereignty, security, and development. It also highlights the Indian Army’s pivotal role in advancing defense diplomacy and strategic outreach in South Asia.
The four-day visit is expected to culminate in a reaffirmation of joint defense priorities, enhanced operational synergy, and renewed strategic alignment to address emerging challenges in the region.
