On the occasion of Diwali, the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman interacted with the soldiers of Indian Armed Forces and their families at Military Station Brichgunj on Thursday.
The Defence Minister is on a two-day visit to Andaman & Nicobar Command from 18 to 19 October.
Sitharaman was received at INS Utkrosh by Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd), and Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, AVSM, Commander-in-Chief Andaman & Nicobar Command.
On arrival she was presented with a joint services Guard of Honour by the soldiers of Andaman & Nicobar Command.
On Wednesday, during her visit at the headquarters, the Defence Minister was given a comprehensive brief on the security environment and thrust areas of the Command, followed by a cultural programme.
Sitharaman appreciated the work being done by the soldiers in the challenging environment and exhorted them to continue service to the nation in the highest traditions of Indian Armed Forces.