Bhutan Army Chief On Goodwill Visit

New Delhi, Aug 10 (UNI) The Bhutan Army Chief, Major General Batoo Tshering, arrived here today on a six-day goodwill visit -- his first since taking over as the Chief of Royal Bhutan Army on November One last.

Maj Gen Tshering is designated Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) -- of the rank equivalent to the Indian Chief of Army Staff India, since independence, has a unique and special relationship with Bhutan which has stood the test of time. This relationship was formalised under the Indo-Bhutan Treaty signed in 1949.

The Defence Forces of the two countries have a very close relationship, which got a boost with the establishment of Headquarters of Indian Military Training Team (HQ IMTRAT) in Bhutan in 1963. In addition to the training imparted by IMTRAT, a large number of military training courses are allotted to RBA in Indian Army training establishments.

Besides the training interaction, there are frequent exchange of visits between the two countries. To give impetus to defence cooperation General JJ Singh, after taking over as COAS, had selected Bhutan as the first foreign country for his visit in May last year.

Maj Gen Tshering has a long and enduring association with India.

He underwent training at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and was commissioned into the RBA in November 1971. Post- commissioning, he did attachment with a battalion of the Bihar Regiment of the Indian Army. He has done a number of courses in India since then.

The General has to his credit an illustrious career and is the most decorated officer of the RBA.

The General Officer is accompanied by his wife, Aum Pem Chhoden.

His programme in New Delhi tomorrow includes laying wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti, inspection of Guard of Honour at South Block Lawns and meeting the three Service Chiefs.

The General officer would also be visiting the National Defence College here.

Maj Gen Tshering will also visit Army formations and establishments at Leh, Agra, Mhow and Kolkata.

UNI DG PR VC2038