Sitharaman visits tri-services command in Andaman and Nicobar

This is her first visit to the strategically important command after assuming charge as the defence minister.

She will celebrate Diwali with soldiers at the command tomorrow, besides reviewing its operational preparedness with top officials.

Sitharaman was received at INS Utkrosh by Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Admiral (Retd.) DK Joshi and Commander-in-Chief of the Command Vice Admiral Bimal Verma.

On arrival, she was accorded a joint services guard of honour, officials said.

Later, she was given a comprehensive brief on the security environment and thrust areas of the command at its headquarters, they said.