In a reaffirmation of India’s close military ties with Bhutan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Bhutan today. The visit spotlighted the longstanding defense partnership between the Indian Army and the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA), a relationship rooted in mutual trust and regional security cooperation since 1962.
General Dwivedi’s visit to IMTRAT’s base included briefings on the mission’s operations and its pivotal role in training and mentoring Bhutanese military personnel. Over the years, IMTRAT has become a cornerstone of bilateral defense ties, having trained more than 10,000 Bhutanese soldiers. The Army chief praised the joint efforts of Indian and Bhutanese personnel, particularly in leadership development and interoperability in modern warfare.
A ceremonial highlight of the visit was the award presentation to RBA officers, symbolizing the enduring camaraderie between the two forces. General Dwivedi also took part in community outreach, engaging warmly with Bhutanese citizens, including children, and distributing gifts as a gesture of goodwill.
This visit also served as a reminder of India’s crucial support in Bhutan’s defense, notably during Operation All Clear in 2003 when the Indian Air Force provided air support to flush out insurgents from Bhutanese territory. The cooperation continues to be vital in the context of growing Chinese military activity near Bhutan’s northern border, especially since Tibet’s annexation by China in 1959.
General Dwivedi’s presence at IMTRAT reaffirms India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and reflects the shared commitment to peace and stability in the region. The India-Bhutan defense partnership remains a unique model of cooperation, balancing sovereignty with collective strategic interests.
