Tuesday, August 28, 2012


VISIT OF COAS TO BHUTAN ON 28-30 AUGUST 2012
New Delhi : Bhadrapada 06, 1934
Tuesday, Aug 28, 2012
Gen Bikram Singh, Chief of Army Staff proceeded on a goodwill visit to Bhutan from 28-30 August 2012. The visit assumes special significance in the light of India’s special relationship with Bhutan. This is the first visit to Bhutan by the COAS after having assumed his current appointment and it underpins India’s priorities in maintaining friendly, peaceful and cordial ties with her immediate neighbors.
Bhutan and India share a very special and important relationship. The friendship between the two countries is based on common ideals and principles, arising from a significant legacy of historic links. There have been a series of high level visits between the two countries to further the friendly relations. Our exemplary bilateral relations are based on ‘India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 1949’ and which has been subsequently revised in February 2007.
Both sides have been working towards building a mutually beneficial Defence Cooperation. Military-to-Military Cooperation between Bhutanese and Indian Armed Forces includes establishment of IMTRAT in 1962 and encompasses exchange of high and functional level visits, availing of training courses in Indian Army training institutions, witnessing of designated exercises by military observers, attendance in seminars, conferences, sports and adventure activities.
During the visit, the COAS is scheduled to interact with the King of Bhutan, his Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Yoezer Thinley and top Royal Bhutan Army hierarchy. In addition, he will be visiting their important training establishments and other places of interest.

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