Canberra, Oct. 9 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Canberra on Thursday as part of his official visit to Australia aimed at strengthening defence and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

At the airport, Singh was received by Peter Khalil, Australia's Assistant Minister of Defence and Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations.

In a post on X, he said, "Warmly received by Mr. Peter Khalil, Assistant Minister for Defence of Australia on arrival at Canberra's Royal Australian Air Force Base. Look forward to shortly holding bilateral meeting with my friend Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Australia."

A "Welcome to Country smoke" ceremony was also held at the Australian Parliament ...