Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army, has commenced an official visit to India, which will take place from February 1 to February 6, 2025. This visit signifies a pivotal moment for deepening the longstanding defense relations between Bhutan and India.
Upon his arrival, General Tshering will spend the first day of his visit in Gaya, where he is scheduled to visit the Officers Training Academy and explore several significant Buddhist cultural sites, reflecting the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties shared by Bhutan and India.
From February 2 to February 5, he will shift his focus to New Delhi, participating in multiple key activities aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation. General Tshering's agenda includes laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and receiving a Guard of Honour at the South Block. He is also expected to engage in discussions with high-ranking Indian military officials, including Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, among others.
This visit is particularly significant as it follows shortly after Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s recent trip to India, marking yet another step forward in the strategic partnership between the two nations.
During their meetings, the discussions are likely to touch upon several pressing issues, particularly the situation surrounding the Doklam plateau. For background, the region has been contentious since 2017, when Indian and Chinese forces were engaged in a lengthy standoff over territorial claims and road construction near the disputed area. Bhutan asserted its claim over the land, which India supported, and the two countries have since been monitoring the situation closely.
Beyond the initial day in Gaya, General Tshering's itinerary includes visits to high-security military institutes, such as the National Security Guard (NSG) facility located at Manesar and the Defence Image Processing and Analysis Centre (DIPAC). These visits are expected to facilitate discussions on mutual security concerns and technological advancements relevant to modern defense strategies.
Before concluding his visit, General Tshering will make his way to Kolkata to visit the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. He will lay another wreath at the Vijay Smarak, paying his respects to the sacrifices made by the armed forces, and will meet with the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command.
This strategic visit reinforces the commitment of both nations to work collaboratively on defense matters, with Indian officials recently stating, "This visit by Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering paves the way for continued collaboration between the two militaries." The official readout added, "The visit will...enhance their cooperation on matters of mutual interest."
Lieutenant General Tshering’s visit encapsulates the spirit of cooperation and the commitment of both Bhutan and India to address regional security concerns, particularly as both nations navigate the complex dynamics posed by neighboring China.
Overall, this collaboration not only fortifies the military ties between India and Bhutan but also ensures both countries remain aligned on strategies to address mutual threats and challenges, advancing their shared objectives for peace and stability in the region.