India Gets New Defense Minister, Mahohar Parrikar Takes Oath

Manohar Parrikar has been named India’s new Defense Minister after a cabinet reshuffle yesterday.

Parrikar, former chief minister of Goa, will succeed Arun Jaitley who has been handling both the finance and defence ministries since Prime Minister Modi came to office earlier this year.

Known for his fairness and Spartan style, he is credited with reducing petrol prices and growth in quality infrastructure.

Parrikar has emphasised the need to improve defence procurement and production as well as training of armed forces, and said the country must stock up on superior equipment. “The list is long,” he said yesterday.

“This is a great country,” Parrikar said. “You have to strengthen yourself in such a way that your opponent should feel fear to fight against you. Peace is always maintained by people who are strong, it can never be maintained by weak people.”