Synopsis
The high-level visit of Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, COO of the Royal Bhutan Army, to India focused on enhancing defense cooperation and reaffirming the long-standing ties between the two nations amidst regional security concerns.Key Takeaways
- Strengthened military cooperation between India and Bhutan.
- Visit included discussions on defense collaboration and training.
- Focus on cutting-edge technology for national security.
- Historical ties and cultural connections were highlighted.
- Monitoring of regional developments, especially concerning China.
New Delhi, Feb 6 (NationPress) Strengthening military ties, the significant visit to India by a Bhutanese entourage led by Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Royal Bhutan Army, wrapped up on Thursday.
“During this visit, the two militaries investigated new possibilities for defense collaboration and reaffirmed the longstanding connection between them,” stated the Indian Army via a message on X.
India and Bhutan enjoy a profound friendship founded on historical links, cultural similarities, and mutual respect. Their alliance exemplifies a bond of trust and collaboration that has grown stronger over the years, as noted.
Previously, Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on February 4 to discuss cooperation, capability enhancement, and training support for the Royal Bhutan Army.
The Defence Minister reaffirmed India’s dedication to Bhutan’s defense readiness, including the supply of equipment and resources under the Neighbourhood First policy.
General Tshering began his official visit to India on February 1, marking a significant development in further improving the long-standing defense relations between the two nations.
Upon his arrival, General Tshering spent his initial day in Gaya, visiting the Officers Training Academy and numerous important Buddhist cultural sites, emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural and historical connections between Bhutan and India.
From February 2-6, General Tshering engaged in several key activities. On February 3, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and received a Guard of Honour at the South Block.
The General also met with the Chief of Army Staff and other senior officials, including the National Security Advisor, Chief of Defence Staff, Defence Secretary, and Foreign Secretary. General Tshering is set to visit several major military institutions, such as the National Security Guard (NSG) in Manesar and the Defence Image Processing and Analysis Centre (DIPAC).
Before concluding his visit, General Tshering traveled to Kolkata and visited the Indian Army’s Eastern Command headquarters at Vijay Durg (previously Fort William).
After laying a wreath at Vijay Smarak, Lt Gen Tshering met Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, discussing various aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries, as reported by an official.
“This visit holds great importance as Bhutan shares its border with the Indian states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim. All these states fall within the operational jurisdiction of the Eastern Command. The two general officers deliberated measures to enhance defense cooperation, especially in cutting-edge technology, focusing on securing both nations. Lt Gen Tshering and his team also interacted with other senior officers of the Eastern Command,” the official added.
An official indicated that bolstering defense ties between the two countries is essential at a time when China is closely monitoring the peaceful Himalayan Kingdom.
“China initiated overtures towards Bhutan almost a decade ago, as part of its South Asia strategy. Following that, China began constructing infrastructure on lands traditionally recognized as Bhutanese territory,” the official noted.
He highlighted reports indicating that China has established nearly 22 villages on such land over the past eight years.
“Eight of these developments have arisen near the Doklam Plateau in the last four years. China intensified this construction effort after 2017, when the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army experienced a two-month standoff at Doklam, a tri-junction among the Indian state of Sikkim, Bhutan, and the Tibet Autonomous Region. Since then, India has also enhanced infrastructure for swifter movement of personnel and equipment to the area,” the official stated.
He mentioned that India is vigilantly monitoring any developments in that region. Simultaneously, both countries are keeping an eye on the potential movement of insurgents from the northeastern states into Bhutan.
He recalled how the Royal Bhutan Army successfully expelled insurgents from their territory in 2003-04 during Operation All Clear, an initiative praised by the Indian government.
