New Delhi: Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles arrived in India on Monday for a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh to discuss ways to boost bilateral defence and security cooperation.

"Arrived in India - a top-tier partner + close friend to Australia"  I am looking forward to continuing our ongoing defence engagement as Comprehensive Strategic Partners, and I want to reaffirm our commitment to tighter collaboration in the #IndoPacific "Marles sent out a tweet.

His visit is the first by an Australian high-ranking official since newly-elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assumed office on May 23.

The Australian Defence Minister will meet with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh for the first time during his tour, which runs from June 20 to 23.

"Australia and India have formalised their relationship as Comprehensive Strategic Partners. I am dedicated to improving Australia's defence and security cooperation with India "Marles remarked, "I am looking forward to meeting with my counterpart, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and convening our first bilateral Defence Ministers' Meeting." he said.

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