General Upendra Dwivedi Commences Bhutan Visit to Strengthen Defense Ties Amid Regional Tensions
General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff, embarked on a three-day official visit to Bhutan today, running from June 30 to July 2, 2025. The purpose of this visit is to bolster the enduring defense partnership between India and Bhutan, as outlined in the 2007 India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, which entrusts India with a guiding role in Bhutan's defense matters.
This visit occurs amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly owing to China's persistent territorial expansion along Bhutan's northern border. Research published in the Journal of Asian Studies indicates that since 1990, Bhutan has conceded nearly 269 square kilometers of land to China. India's involvement is deemed crucial for preserving Bhutan's territorial integrity, a position underscored during the 2017 Doklam standoff when Indian forces intervened to halt Chinese road construction near the strategic tri-junction area with India, Bhutan, and China.
General Dwivedi's schedule is anticipated to include high-level meetings with Bhutanese defense and government officials. The agenda is expected to focus on enhancing joint military exercises and integrating advanced technologies into defense operations. Defense analysts have noted a 30 percent rise in Indo-Bhutan military collaboration since 2017, reflecting a strengthening alignment in security strategies.
This visit not only reinforces defense collaboration but also highlights the deep-seated historical, cultural, and strategic connections between India and Bhutan. It is seen as a crucial step in ensuring regional stability in the Eastern Himalayas amid increasing external pressures.
