Bhutan's top army commander met CDS General Anil Chauhan, and discussed regional security situation

India-Bhutan: Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army, Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering met Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan on Monday. Let us tell you that the top Bhutanese military commander is visiting India nearly two months after the visit of Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk. Lieutenant General Shering may hold talks with other Indian officials on the overall situation of the Doklam plateau.

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 11:57 PM (IST)
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Bhutan's top army commander met CDS General Anil Chauhan, and discussed regional security situation
Bhutan's top army commander met CDS General Anil Chauhan, and discussed regional security situation

In Delhi, Royal Bhutan Army's Chief Operating Officer, Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, met and chatted with Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan on Monday, intending to strengthen India-Bhutan strategic relations. Officials have confirmed that during this interval, the discussion focused on strengthening both countries' strong relations of strategic partnership and friendship. There was a discussion between both concerning the security environment in the region, too.

Lieutenant General Shering started a six-day India tour over the weekend. The tour aims at strengthening security cooperation between India and developing new avenues for cooperation in defense affairs.

Indian and Chinese troops clashed for 73 days at the tri-junctures of Doklam in 2017 when China tried to construct a road into a Bhutan claim region. The India-China standoff at the Doklam plateau has also raised concerns regarding a full-fledged India-China conflict between both neighboring nations. Bhutan insisted that the region is theirs and India supported Bhutan's claim.

Over the past few years, Bhutan and China have been looking at an early resolution of their escalating border dispute. "The visit of Lt Gen Batoo Tshering paves the way for continued cooperation between the two armies. The visit will further deepen the strategic ties between the two friendly countries and enhance their cooperation in matters of mutual interest," a statement said on Saturday.

Earlier, Lieutenant General Battu Tshering, Chief Operation Officer (COO) of the Royal Bhutan Army, was given a guard of honor at South Block on Monday. He was welcomed by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. During this, both the officers shook hands. Earlier, Lieutenant General Battu Tshering laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in Delhi and paid tribute to the martyred heroes. Lieutenant General Battu Tshering is on an official visit to India till February 6.

Muskan Kumawat Journalist & Writer