'Stable, secure India must play bigger role in world affairs'

CHENNAI: Calling India an "anchor of global peace, stability and security," a top Royal Bhutan Army official today said the largest democracy "must and will play a bigger role in world affairs..."

"India is becoming an anchor of global peace, stability and security..also wields immense economic and political influence," General Batoo Tshering, the Chief Operations Officer, Royal Bhutan Army, said, addressing cadets of Officers Training Academy (OTA) here.

After reviewing the ceremonial passing out parade at the academy here, he said India "must and will play a bigger role in world affairs, be it in UN peace-keeping missions, averting humanitarian crises or countering the growing security threats from terrorism."

"As flag bearers of a nation that is on the ascendancy with all the trappings of a super-power, the challenges and opportunities before you are unparalleled," he said.

Talking to reporters,he said the RBA was proud to associate with Indian Army, which was "globally very important" and becoming "very powerful."

"..Indian Army has got all the characteristic feature to become the next super power," he said.

Impressed with the training imparted at OTA here, he said, "After having seen this place I am tempted to do so many things. That include induction of women into our force."

RBA does not have women in its rolls except for doctors presently.

During the Passing Out Parade 284 Indian cadets including 89 women completed their training at the academy. In addition to this, the batch also had 15 cadets from Afghanistan and one cadet from Lesotho.

"The training here is good.We have been sending cadets for so long.We will continue to send cadets next year too," Colonel Masud Satankzai, Defence Attache at Embassy of Afghanistan from Delhi, said.