Rajnath Singh meets Australian official, reviews security cooperation

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday met Australia's Attorney General George Brandis QC and reviewed cooperation between the two countries in the fields of security, terrorism, narcotics, forensic technology and immigration, an official statement said.

"The two countries have close cooperation on security matters and are committed in particular to closely fight organised crime and terrorism," Rajnath Singh said in a statement issued after the visiting attorney general called on him here.

He also stressed the need to set up new channels of interaction, networks and strategic alliances between India and Australia.

"India appreciates strong commitment of Australia to the India-Australian strategic partnership," the home minister said.

Rajnath Singh said bilateral strategic partnership had evolved considerably during recent years.

An agreement on transfer of sentenced persons and a memorandum of understanding on combating narcotics trafficking and developing police cooperation between the two countries had further strengthened mutual partnership, he said.

The minister said bilateral security cooperation and collaboration between security agencies of the two countries could be further enhanced.

The Australian attorney general said the two countries enjoyed a very good and close relationship.

He also highlighted the issues relating to strategic cooperation and said the 21st century belonged to the Indo-Pacific Strategic Cooperation, the statement said.

Rajnath Singh also conveyed his congratulations to Malcolm Turnbull over his appointment as the new prime minister of Australia.