New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Bhutan in strengthening its defence capabilities, including through the provision of military equipment and resources. This statement was made during a meeting with Bhutan’s Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army, Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, who is currently on a six-day visit to India.
The visit, which began on Saturday, has seen high-level discussions focused on the enhancement of bilateral defence relations. According to the Ministry of Defence, Singh emphasized India's readiness to assist Bhutan in bolstering its defence preparedness in line with Bhutan's national priorities. This commitment is in keeping with India's "Neighbourhood First" policy.
During their meeting, Singh and Lt Gen. Tshering discussed various aspects of military cooperation, with the Indian Defence Minister stressing the importance of providing Bhutan with necessary defence hardware and training to improve the capabilities of the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA). Lt Gen. Tshering expressed his gratitude for India’s continued support in training RBA personnel and supplying defence assets.
The Bhutanese commander also reaffirmed the Royal Bhutan Army’s dedication to deepening cooperation with India, particularly towards achieving mutual goals of peace and prosperity in the region. This visit marks a significant moment for both countries as they further strengthen their defence and security ties.
The discussions also touched on regional security matters, including the situation in the strategically important Doklam plateau. The area, which has been a point of contention between India and China, was central to a tense 73-day military standoff in 2017. Bhutan, which claims the region, had received strong support from India during the standoff.
The ongoing resolution of boundary disputes between Bhutan and China has also been a focal point in recent diplomatic exchanges. Lt Gen. Tshering’s talks with Indian officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, have provided further opportunities to enhance cooperation.
This visit is seen as a step toward further solidifying the strategic relationship between India and Bhutan, with both nations expressing a shared interest in addressing regional security concerns and strengthening defence ties.
The ministry emphasized that the discussions pave the way for continued collaboration between the two militaries, ensuring sustained cooperation on matters of mutual interest, including defence preparedness and regional security.
This strengthened partnership reflects the ongoing importance of the India-Bhutan relationship in maintaining peace and stability in South Asia.
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