Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi Embarks on Strategic Visit to Bhutan

In a move reinforcing the strong bilateral defence relationship between India and Bhutan, General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, embarked today on a four-day official visit to Bhutan. The visit is part of India’s ongoing efforts to deepen military diplomacy and strengthen strategic ties with one of its most trusted and time-tested neighbors.

Strengthening India-Bhutan Defence Partnership

During his stay in Bhutan, General Dwivedi is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan. The audience with the King is expected to reaffirm the deep-rooted diplomatic and security partnership that spans decades and is underpinned by shared cultural values, mutual respect, and strategic alignment.

In addition, General Dwivedi will meet Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, the Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA). Their discussions will focus on enhancing existing defence cooperation, reviewing joint training programs, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic coordination in light of evolving regional dynamics.

Engagement with Indian Institutions in Bhutan

The COAS will also interact with personnel from critical Indian defence and infrastructure missions in Bhutan, including the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) and Project DANTAK. These institutions have played an instrumental role in shaping Bhutan’s military capabilities and national infrastructure respectively.

IMTRAT, one of the oldest training missions abroad, provides comprehensive training support to the RBA and symbolizes India's steadfast commitment to Bhutan’s defence preparedness. Project DANTAK, operated by India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO), is crucial in developing and maintaining strategic road networks in Bhutan, thereby supporting both economic and security infrastructure.

General Dwivedi’s interaction with these personnel will aim at boosting morale, understanding on-ground challenges, and reviewing the progress of ongoing collaborative projects.

Reaffirming Regional Stability and Strategic Cooperation

India and Bhutan share a unique and enduring security relationship, governed by mutual interests and a strong sense of trust. The strategic geography of Bhutan—nestled between India and China—makes it a vital player in maintaining peace and security in the Eastern Himalayas.

This visit comes at a time when regional geopolitics are witnessing significant shifts, and India’s outreach to Bhutan underscores the importance it places on maintaining a stable, cooperative, and secure neighborhood. Military-level interactions are a cornerstone of this partnership, complemented by extensive economic, cultural, and developmental collaborations.

Diplomatic and Military Synergy

Apart from military engagements, the visit is also expected to include discussions with senior diplomats and officials from the Indian Embassy in Thimphu. These talks will reinforce the seamless coordination between India’s diplomatic and defence channels in Bhutan, ensuring a synchronized approach to bilateral cooperation.

General Dwivedi is expected to exchange insights on regional security challenges, technological cooperation in defence, and strategies for increasing Bhutan’s self-reliance in defence logistics and operations—goals aligned with India's broader regional outreach under the “Neighbourhood First” policy.

A Testament to Time-Tested Friendship

This high-level visit by the Army Chief symbolizes India’s unwavering support for Bhutan’s sovereignty and security, while also advancing military-to-military collaboration in training, infrastructure, and strategic dialogue.

The outcomes of General Dwivedi’s visit are expected to further solidify the already robust partnership, creating new avenues for joint initiatives in defence preparedness, disaster response, cyber capabilities, and environmental security.

As India prepares for a future defined by complex regional challenges, such engagements with steadfast partners like Bhutan will remain central to its strategy of inclusive and cooperative security.