Bhutan this week welcomed General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, on a four-day visit designed to deepen the enduring defence partnership between our two nations.
General Dwivedi was received at Paro International Airport with full honours by Major General Dorji Rinchen, Deputy Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA). On Tuesday, His Excellency travelled to the National Memorial Chorten, where he laid a wreath in solemn tribute to the Third Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
At Tashichho Dzong the visiting General inspected an impressive Guard of Honour mounted by the RBA, symbolising the steadfast friendship and mutual respect that underpins Bhutan–India ties. He then held substantive discussions with Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, Chief Operations Officer of the RBA. The two commanders reviewed ongoing bilateral training initiatives, joint exercises and avenues to enhance strategic cooperation that will strengthen Bhutan’s security and sovereignty.
General Dwivedi also called on the Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Shri Sudhakar Dalela, to exchange views on widening the scope of defence collaboration. Over the coming days he will be granted an audience with His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and meet personnel of the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) as well as Project DANTAK—both long-standing symbols of India’s commitment to Bhutan’s development and security.
This high-level military engagement coincides with the India–Bhutan Development Cooperation talks held in New Delhi on Monday. Led on the Bhutanese side by Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden, the meeting reviewed progress under India’s pledge of Nu 100 billion for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan. The package spans Project-Tied Assistance, High-Impact Community Development Projects, the Economic Stimulus Programme and programme-grant support—resources that will bolster Bhutan’s socio-economic transformation.
Bhutan values India’s steadfast friendship, founded on trust, goodwill and close people-to-people ties. The ongoing visit of General Dwivedi reaffirms our shared resolve to preserve peace along our borders and to work hand-in-hand for the prosperity of both nations.
