Gen on 4-day visit to Bhutan to boost def ties

New Delhi: General Upendra Dwivedi is now on a four-day trip to Bhutan to further enhance already close bilateral military ties - which comes at a time that China continues to strengthen its military infrastructure in the Doklam plateau that saw a 73-day face-off between the Indian and Chinese armies in 2017.

The Army chief will call on Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and hold wide-ranging talks with Lt General Batoo Tshering, the chief operations officer of the Royal Bhutan Army. "The visit reflects the deep-rooted and time-tested ties between India and Bhutan and reaffirms India's commitment to a close and trusted partner," Army spokesperson Colonel Nishant Arvind said.

India has been keeping a close watch on the series of border talks between Bhutan and an expansionist China in a bid to resolve their territorial disputes, which include Doklam plateau in the west and Jakarlung and Pasamlung valleys in the north.