Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Bhutan on Thursday, where he was briefed on the vital role the team plays in enhancing military cooperation between India and the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA).
According to the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the COAS interacted with personnel from both the Indian Army and the Royal Bhutan Army at IMTRAT. He commended them for their focused joint training initiatives and efforts in leadership development.
As India’s oldest overseas military mission, IMTRAT stands as a testament to the strength and depth of Indo-Bhutan defence cooperation.
On Wednesday, General Dwivedi also visited the Gyalsung Academy in Jamtsholing, where he was briefed on King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s visionary initiative aimed at nation-building and youth empowerment. The COAS praised the Academy’s efforts in shaping the future of Bhutan’s youth and expressed admiration for both the existing and upcoming infrastructure, which he noted would bring the King’s vision to life.
Reaffirming the deep-rooted friendship between India and Bhutan, General Dwivedi stated that the Indian Army remains committed to supporting Bhutan’s transformative initiatives.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced the Gyalsung initiative – Bhutan’s National Service – during his Royal Address on the country’s 112th National Day in December 2019. The program is envisioned to empower Bhutanese youth to actively participate in nation-building and enhance national unity, peace, and sovereignty. The first batch of Gyalsung training began on September 5, 2024.
In a significant gesture, the King and Queen (the Gyaltsuen) of Bhutan granted an audience to General Dwivedi at the Tashichhodzong on Tuesday. He was received with a ceremonial Chipdrel procession and presented with a Guard of Honour.
Earlier, the Indian Army Chief held discussions with Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Royal Bhutan Army, to further deepen military collaboration and strengthen strategic defence ties between the two nations.
General Dwivedi arrived in Bhutan on Monday for a four-day official visit aimed at enhancing the enduring defence partnership between India and Bhutan. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Major General Dorji Rinchen, Deputy Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army.
As part of his visit, the COAS laid a wreath at the National Memorial Chorten in honour of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, and reviewed an impressive Guard of Honour at Tashichhodzong, a prominent Buddhist monastery and fortress in the capital.
Later, he held discussions with Lieutenant General Tshering, reflecting the mutual trust, strategic convergence, and camaraderie shared between the Indian Army and the Royal Bhutan Army.
(With inputs from IANS)
