India’s new Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke to Nistula Hebbar on her new appointment and why it is important to break the glass ceiling...
How would you describe your first reaction on your new appointment?
The two words that I have been using since this afternoon, when I was told of the portfolio, are “completely overwhelmed.” I knew by late last evening that I was being promoted to the Cabinet rank, but didn’t know that this would be my portfolio. It has been a huge honour, and I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reposing such faith in me.
Have you had much to do with defence or armed forces before this appointment?
Well, my brother-in-law retired from the Navy and during the One Rank One Pension (OROP) [protest] we had intense exchange of views. But, of course, not beyond that. I look forward to receiving guidance from Arun Jaitleyji on the various issues he has been tackling and the former Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikarji. There are many things to learn and I intend to do that.
There are now two women Ministers in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). As a woman in public life, how much of your gender has affected your decisions on matters of state?
At some level, it does come into play, in terms of your thinking and sensitivities. But most importantly, an appointment like this provides motivation to every woman in this country to aim high and realise that the only thing holding you back is your own desire to achieve. It is a wonderful message and Mr. Modi did a lot as Chief Minister of Gujarat for women’s empowerment and, here too, he has reinforced it.
One of the issues hanging fire is combat roles for women in the armed forces. How do you plan to tackle that?
I will go into the issue with an open mind. I will be looking at the files and examine the issue without prejudice.
