The Defence Minster A K Antony is on a four day three-nation official visit to Singapore, Australia, and Thailand, beginning today. AIR Correspondent reports that these visits are of strategic importance as several regional defence issues are to be sorted out.

Mr. Antony will be meeting his counterpart Dr. Ng Eng Hen In Singapore. The two Defence Ministers are expected to discuss various bilateral co-operation issues as well as issues concerning the regional global security situations.Mr. Antony’s visit to Australia will be the first ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to that country.

Both sides would be discussing measures to enhance exchanges between the defence establishments and armed forces of the two countries. During his Thailand visit, Mr. Antony will be meeting his counterpart, Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat and is also expected to call on Prime Minister, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra.

Both sides are expected to review on-going exchanges between the armed forces including possible enhancement of on-going Army and Navy exercises and joint patrols along the common maritime boundary between both countries.The Defence Minister returns home on Thursday.