General Upendra Dwivedi Strengthens India-Bhutan Military Ties During Visit

General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff, recently visited Bhutan to strengthen military ties and support youth empowerment initiatives. His engagements included interactions with soldiers at the Indian Military Training Team and a visit to the Gyalsung Academy, where he praised efforts aimed at nation-building. The visit underscores the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan, with a focus on collaborative defense strategies and the development of Bhutanese youth. General Dwivedi's four-day trip also included discussions with Bhutanese military leaders and ceremonial honors, reflecting the deep-rooted trust between the two nations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2025, 13:12 IST

Strengthening Military Cooperation

On July 3, in Thimphu, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), visited the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Bhutan. During his visit, he was briefed on the team's crucial role in enhancing military collaboration between India and the Royal Bhutan Army.

As per the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information, General Dwivedi engaged with soldiers from both the Indian Army and the Royal Bhutan Army at IMTRAT, commending their joint training efforts and leadership development programs.

IMTRAT, being India's oldest overseas mission, symbolizes the robust Indo-Bhutan Defence Cooperation.

The Indian Army Chief also toured the Gyalsung Academy in Jamtsholing on Wednesday, where he learned about the visionary initiative of Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck aimed at nation-building and empowering the youth.

He praised the Academy for its significant contributions to shaping the future of Bhutan's youth and admired its impressive infrastructure.

General Dwivedi expressed appreciation for the well-thought-out plans for future infrastructure that align with the King's grand vision.

Reiterating the strong friendship between India and Bhutan, he affirmed the Indian Army's commitment to supporting these transformative initiatives.

The Gyalsung program, launched by the King during the Royal Address on Bhutan's 112th National Day in December 2019, aims to empower Bhutanese youth in nation-building, enhancing the nation's security, peace, unity, and sovereignty.

The program is designed to help every Bhutanese youth realize their potential and become valuable citizens serving the Tsawa-Sum (The King, Country, and People). The first batch of Gyalsung training commenced on September 5, 2024.

Additionally, the King and Queen of Bhutan welcomed the Indian Army Chief at Tashichhodzong on Tuesday, where he was honored with a ceremonial Chipdrel procession and a Guard of Honour.

Earlier, General Dwivedi engaged in discussions with Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army, to further enhance military relations and strategic defense cooperation between the two nations.

The Indian Army Chief's four-day official visit to Bhutan, which began on Monday, aims to bolster the enduring defense cooperation between the two countries.

He received a warm welcome at the airport from Major General Dorji Rinchen, Deputy Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army.

General Dwivedi also laid a wreath at the National Memorial Chorten to honor Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, and reviewed a distinguished Guard of Honour at Tashichho Dzong, a significant Buddhist monastery in the capital.

Later, he had meaningful discussions with Lieutenant General Tshering, reflecting the deep trust and camaraderie between the Indian Army and the Royal Bhutan Army.