Port Blair: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is on a two-day visit to Andaman & Nicobar Command since October 18, Thursday celebrated Diwali with jawans posted in the remote Islands. The Islands are the last strategic outpost of India.

The defence minister was received at INS Utkrosh by lieutenant governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, admiral (retd) DK Joshi, and vice admiral Bimal Verma, commander-in-chief Andaman & Nicobar Command.

On arrival, she was presented a joint services Guard of Honour by the troops of Andaman & Nicobar Command.

Subsequently, during her visit to the Andaman & Nicobar Command Headquarters, the defence minister was given a comprehensive brief on the security situation and thrust areas of the Command.

In the evening, she witnessed a cultural programme and interacted with troops and their families at Military Station Brichgunj on the occasion of Diwali.

The minister appreciated the work being done by the troops in the challenging environment and exhorted them to continue service to the nation in the highest tradition of the Indian armed forces.