INDIA's Chief of Army Staff is in Singapore for the first time since he took the top job in 2012.

General Bikram Singh called on Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and his Singaporean counterpart Major-General Ravinder Singh on Tuesday.

As part of his three-day visit that will end on Thursday, Gen Singh will visit the Multi-Mission Range Complex, the Singapore Army's 3rd Division and Armour headquarters.

The Defence Ministry said in a statement that Gen Singh's visit underscores the warm and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and India.

Both sides regularly conduct bilateral armour and artillery exercises, including an upcoming armour exercise at Babina Field Firing Range in India in March.

The statement added that both armies also interact regularly through professional exchanges, visits and cross-attendance of courses.

"These interactions provide the Singapore Army with a valuable opportunity to train alongside the Indian Army and enhance mutual understanding and inter-operability between the armed forces of both countries."