New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – In a significant development aimed at strengthening the India-Bhutan strategic partnership, Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army, Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, met with India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, on Monday. The discussions focused on deepening bilateral military ties, regional security, and exploring new areas for defence collaboration, officials said.
Lt. Gen. Tshering’s six-day visit to India, which commenced on Saturday, underscores the commitment of both nations to bolstering their military cooperation. His trip comes nearly two months after Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited India, further reinforcing the close ties between the two neighboring countries.
One of the key topics expected to be discussed during the visit is the situation in the Doklam plateau. The region gained global attention in 2017 when Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a 73-day standoff after China attempted to extend a road in an area claimed by Bhutan. India, backing Bhutan’s territorial claims, had intervened to prevent the expansion, raising tensions with China. In recent years, Bhutan and China have been working towards an expedited resolution of their border dispute.
An official statement from India emphasized the importance of Lt. Gen. Tshering's visit, stating that it would further deepen the strategic partnership between India and Bhutan and strengthen cooperation on matters of mutual interest.
As India and Bhutan continue to solidify their defence ties, the visit is expected to pave the way for greater military collaboration and coordination between the two nations.
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