General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff, has begun a significant three-day visit to Bhutan, running from June 30 to July 2, 2025. This official trip is aimed at bolstering the enduring defense relationship between India and Bhutan, grounded in the 2007 India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty. This treaty establishes India’s pivotal role in Bhutan’s defense strategy, emphasizing the close ties between the two countries.
The timing of this visit is particularly critical, as it coincides with increasing geopolitical tensions related to China’s ongoing territorial assertiveness along Bhutan’s northern border. Research published in the Journal of Asian Studies indicates that Bhutan has relinquished approximately 269 square kilometers of territory to China since 1990. Given these developments, India’s involvement has become crucial for protecting Bhutan’s territorial integrity. This necessity was prominently illustrated during the 2017 Doklam standoff, when Indian forces intervened to halt Chinese road construction in a sensitive tri-junction region shared by India, Bhutan, and China.
General Dwivedi’s agenda likely includes high-level discussions with key Bhutanese defense and government officials. Topics of conversation are expected to encompass the expansion of joint military exercises and the integration of advanced technologies into Bhutan’s defense operations. Defense analysts have noted a remarkable 30 percent increase in military coordination between India and Bhutan since 2017, marking a significant alignment in their security strategies.
Beyond military cooperation, this visit signifies the deep historical, cultural, and strategic connections that bind India and Bhutan. Observers interpret the trip as a crucial measure to ensure regional stability in the Eastern Himalayas amid escalating external pressures, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to mutual security.
