Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Port Blair on a two-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Defence Minister was received by Lieutenant Governor Admiral D.K Joshi, Commander-in-Chief of Andaman and Nicobar Command vice admiral Bimal Verma and other officers of Andaman and Nicobar Administration at the INS Utkrosh. On arrival, she was presented a joint service Guard of Honour by the troops of Andaman and Nicobar Command.<br/><br/>During her visit to the Headquarters of Andaman and Nicobar Command, the Defence Minister was given a comprehensive brief on the security environment and thrust areas of the Command. Nirmala Sitharaman also met Lieutenant Governor Admiral D K Joshi at Raj Niwas and various issues relating to the safety and security of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands were discussed. <br/><br/>In the evening, she visited the Veer Savarkar cell in the National Memorial Cellular Jail and laid wreath at the Swatantra Jyoti. After that, she left for Ross Island and watched the Light and Sound show. At the Military Station in Brichgunj tonight, the Defence Minister will witness cultural programme and interact with the troops and their families on the occasion of Diwali. <br/><br/>Tomorrow, the Defence Minister will depart for Car Nicobar where she will visit the operation area of the Command and Air Force and lay wreath at Sunami Memorial.<br/>

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reached Port Blair for a 2 day visit of Andaman and Nicobar Island. <br/><br/>During her stay, Ms Sitharaman will celebrate Diwali with the troops of Andaman and Nicobar Command and interact with their families during various events. <br/><br/>She will also visit the operational area of the Command and Air Force Station Car Nicobar. The Minister will lay wreaths at the Swatantra Jyoti in Cellular Jail and Tsunami Memorial at Car Nicobar.