Army, Navy IAF Chiefs Call on New Defence Minister Sitharaman

Among the challenges Sitharaman faces is the modernisation of the Army, Navy and the Air Force.

Nirmala Sitharaman is the country’s first woman to hold the portfolio as a full-time minister.

(Photo: IANS)

The Army, Navy and IAF chiefs called on newly appointed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 4 September, apprising her about the overall security challenge and preparedness of the forces.

The service chiefs also briefed Sitharaman about the operational preparedness and major issues concerning the forces during the meeting at her residence, official sources said.

Also Read: Can Nirmala Sitharaman Be a Game-Changer for Defence Ministry?

The Road Ahead for Sitharaman

Sitharaman is likely to take charge of the ministry on 6 September, as senior minister Arun Jaitley is attending a two-day bilateral security dialogue in Japan as Defence Minister.

Jaitley, who was holding the additional charge of defence, had said on 3 September that he is attending the dialogue with Japan due to logistical constraints.

Sitharaman has become the first woman in the country to hold the defence portfolio as a full-time minister. The 58-year-old Rajya Sabha member is the second woman to take charge of the crucial ministry. Indira Gandhi, as the Prime Minister, had also held the portfolio.

As, Defence Minister, Sitharaman faces several challenges, including strengthening the combat capabilities of the Army, Navy and the Air Force in the face of changing regional security matrix and geo-political dynamics.

Another key challenge for her will be to speed up the modernisation of the three forces.

Also Read: Nirmala Sitharaman’s Journey: From JNU to Defence Ministry

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