Nirmala Sitharaman credits ‘cosmic grace’ after elevation as Defence Minister

58-year-old Nirmala Sitharaman became the second woman to assume the charge of the Defence Ministry as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had also held the portfolio in the seventies.

Nirmala Sitharaman, Defence Minister, cabinet reshuffle 2017, narendra modi cabinet,

Nirmala Sitharaman was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Ram Nath Kovind. She was appointed as the Defence Minister. (Express Photo by Neeraj Priyadarshi)

Newly-appointed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday expressed that she was “overwhelmed and humbled” by the responsbility that has been bestowed upon her, pledging to serve the country to the best of her abilities. “I am just overwhelmed and humbled. I can serve the country with something which is constantly on the top of my mind,” Sitharaman said.

Crediting her elevation to a cabinet rank minister to “cosmic grace” and support from party leadership, Sitharaman said she was “very grateful” for the confidence the Prime Minister has on her.

When asked whether dealing with Pakistan in view of terrorism will be her priority, she said, “I have not even taken charge. I don’t think it is appropriate to comment on it now…give me some time.”

Story continues below this ad

The 58-year-old became the second woman to assume the charge of the Defence Ministry as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had also held the portfolio in the seventies. Her promotion is viewed as a reward for her good work as the Commerce Minister. Previously, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was handling the Defence Ministry following the resignation of Manohar Parrikar, who quit the post to become the Goa’s chief minister in March.

ALSO READ: Cabinet reshuffle 2017: Loyalty pays, while ex-bureaucrats get a toe-hold

Sitharaman, a Rajya Sabha member, was also among the four junior ministers who were handed cabinet berths at the reshuffle earlier in the day.

Nirmala Sitharaman being sworn-in as a Cabinet Minister by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday. (Express Photo: Neeraj Priyadarshi)

She further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed towards the empowerment of women. “I know his working style since the time he was in Gujarat … He always believe in giving women their due share. His belief is that women can also perform,” said Sitharaman, who was earlier the Minister of State (Independent Charge) Commerce.

Story continues below this ad

“Somebody who has come from a small town, grown into the party with all the support of the leadership, and if given such responsibility, it just makes you feel sometimes that cosmic grace is there. Otherwise, it is impossible,” she told reporters soon after taking oath.

With her elevation as Defence Minister, Sitharaman will now be a part of the crucial Cabinet Committee on Security whose members include the prime minister, home minister, external affairs minister and the finance minister.

Upon assuming the charge as the Defence Minister, Sitharaman will face several challenges, including strengthening of the combat capabilities of the Army, Navy and the Air Force due to changing regional security matrix and geo-political dynamics.

With PTI inputs

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Taboola...

India warns of ‘likely humanitarian consequences’ after US H-1B visa fee hike

India14 min ago

India voices concerns over new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa, citing humanitarian impact and family disruptions. Government urges US to address issues, while industry and policymakers study the move for mutual benefits. September 21 deadline for H-1B visa holders to return to US could affect skilled Indian professionals, who make up 72% of beneficiaries.

View all shorts

Live Blog