By : Neha Dhyani
Updated : Feb 2, 2022, 8:33
The Government of India has successfully been bringing forward genius minds and taking many constructive measures all these years for the well-being of our country. Just like other aspects of the Indian constitution, the Ministry of Defence, too, needs to be in good hands. In this article, we’ll discuss the Ministry of Defence in India, where we will know details about the Ministry of Defence and the defence ministers of India.
The Minister of Defence is a high-ranking minister of the Government of India and the topmost position of the Ministry of Defence. The defence minister is the supervisor of India’s armed forces, and the foremost task them is obtaining policy directions of the Government of India on every matter related to defence and security. It is also the defence minister’s primary duty to protect the country from neighbouring countries’ annexation and fight against them.
When natural calamities occur, the defence minister sends defence personnel to rescue operations. The defence minister of India, along with the Ministry of Defence, protects the country selflessly so that we can enjoy a carefree life. Defence ministers are appointed by the President of India on the Prime Minister’s advice.
To become the defence minister of India, the candidate must be a highly experienced and useful defence expert or a very active and influential politician. Other than that, being a Member of Parliament is a must to achieve this position.
India has come across some defence ministers with great personalities over the years. Here’s a list of defence minister of India who has done their best to make India a safer country for its citizens.
Baldev Singh Chokkar was a Sikh political leader who, after India’s independence in 1947, became the first defence minister of India. As a defence minister, Baldev Singh provided security to over 10 million Sikhs and Hindu refugees during the partition.
Arackaparambil Kurien Antony is an Indian politician as well as attorney who became the 23rd defence minister of India in the year 2006. He served in this position for almost 8 years, making him the longest-serving defence minister of India. Before acquiring this position, he became the youngest chief minister of Kerala only at the age of 36.
George Mathew Fernandes was an Indian journalist, trade unionist, and he’s also the holder of several ministerial portfolios like defence, railways, industry, etc. He was in the position of defence minister when the Kargil War took place between India and Pakistan. Fernandes was awarded the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2020.
Indira Gandhi was a central figure of the Indian National Congress who became the 3rd Prime Minister of India in the year 1966. She is also India’s only female prime minister who became the longest-serving person in this role after her father, Jawaharlal Nehru. In the year 1980, Indira Gandhi became the first woman defence minister of India and served in that position for two years.
Rajnath Singh is the deputy leader of Lok Sabha and has been the current defence minister of India since the year 2019. He formerly served as the President of Bharatiya Janata Party twice.
Military strength is extremely vital for national security, and the defence minister supervises it so that the citizens remain safe from troubles. Guarding the nation against enemies is their top priority, and their relentless efforts are indeed praiseworthy.
Rajnath Singh is the current defence minister of India, serving from the year 2019.
To acquire the position of defence minister, the person must be a member of the Lok Sabha. Other than that, they must be an active and influential politician.
The home minister’s job is to protect the country’s internal security, whereas the defence minister is in charge of protecting the country’s national security.
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