Nirmala Sitharaman takes charge as Defence Minister of India, says Armed forces her first priority

Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday took charge as Defence Minister of India. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley accompanied her while she took charge of the ministry.

Sitharaman succeeds Jaitley as Defence Minister of India. She is second women Defence Minister after Indira Gandhi.

"Thank PM for having vested confidence in me and giving such critical portfolio. Armed forces is my 1st priority," said Sitharaman.

Seema Dundia, DIG, Rapid Action Force, said that she is feeling great about it and it is a positive development.

Being a woman Defence Minister doesn't mean she is less than any of her counterparts; it's a welcome change, said Seema Dundia.

Sitharaman, who was holding the Commerce portfolio (Independent charge), was on Sunday promoted to the Cabinet rank.

Newly appointed Defence Minister on Sunday acknowledged her new job as a big responsibility, saying that she has to prove and perform to satisfy the goals which are expected from her.

“Have to prove and perform to satisfy the goals which are expected of me. In all probability, it (taking charge) will be on Sept 6,” Sitharaman said.

Sitharaman also highlighted the importance of women empowerment in the Modi cabinet.

While talking to ANI, Sitharaman said that the most important thing is that there are two women-She and Sushma Swaraj- in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).