Indian Army chief embarks on Australia tour

Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh Monday embarked on a tour of Australia in a bid to bolster strategic ties with that country, sources said. "General Singh's four-day visit will step up the strategic partnership between the two countries. He will hold meeting with several top defense officials as well as political dignitaries of Australia. The visit is aimed at increasing strategic interests of both the countries," the sources said. The Indian Army chief's visit came after Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony made his first ever visit to Australia last June, during which he held talks with his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith. The two Defense Ministers had agreed on a number of defence initiatives such as military exchanges, maritime security and a joint naval combat exercise in 2015.