New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman interacted with the troops and their families at Military Station Brichgunj on the occasion of Diwali .The Minister is on a two day visit to Andaman & Nicobar Command on 18 & 19 Oct 17. Smt. Sitharaman was received at INS Utkrosh by Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd), and Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, AVSM, 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 Headquarters Andaman & Nicobar Command, the Raksha Mantri was given a comprehensive brief on the security environment and thrust areas of the Command. In the evening, she witnessed a cultural programme. 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 traditions of Indian Armed Forces.