New Delhi, June 1 -- Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on Monday said that India and Australia have "never been more strategically aligned" and in terms of defence ties are "at a high-water mark" during the bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh ahead of the second India-Australia Defence Ministers' Dialogue.

Speaking during the bilateral talks in the capital, Marles highlighted the growing institutionalisation of defence ties between Canberra and New Delhi, including the establishment of an annual Defence Ministers' Dialogue.

"Let me just say, it is indeed such a thrill and a pleasure to be back here in India and in New Delhi and to be here with you. I feel very honoured that with you and...