Bhutan army chief reinforces friendship and cooperation with Indian Armed Forces

As he concluded his India visit, the Chief of the Royal Bhutan Army Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering called on new Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane in New Delhi on earlier this week to discuss the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries.

Tshering, who is the Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army (COO, RBA), discussed the partnership between the armies of the two countries and reviewed areas of mutual interest to increase cooperation.

Defence Secretary Aramane congratulated the General on the completion of 17 years as the COO of RBA. Lt Gen Tshering was enthusiastic about the positive connect with the Indian military training team and acknowledged their contribution to the well-being of Bhutan since 1962.

Aramane also acknowledged the National Service Programme (Gyalsung) launched by King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. He discussed possible avenues of cooperation between India and Bhutan in the area of skill development of youth.

Tshering was appreciative of the review he carried out of the Passing Out Parade at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai. The Defence Secretary and COO of RBA acknowledged the strong bonds of friendship between India and Bhutan and reinforced the commitment of both sides to continue the bonhomie and friendship.

After arriving in India on October 28, the Royal Bhutan Army chief reviewed the Passing Out Parade at Officers Training Academy in Chennai on October 29. On November 1, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block.

Following that, Lt Gen Batoo Tshering also called on General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff and exchanged views on the current global situation, and security perspectives in addition to discussing measures for enhancing defence cooperation between both armies.

The visiting General also called on the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Vice Chief of Army Staff and other senior military officers during his visit which is expected to further enhance and strengthen the already existing friendship and cooperation between the Indian Armed Forces and the Royal Bhutan Army.

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