In Pics: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits forward posts in Ladakh

Pic courtesy: @DefenceMinIndia

Jammu: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday visited the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir and interacted with soldiers guarding the border with China.

Sitharaman, who arrived at Thoise in Ladakh, "was briefed on the operational preparedness of the forward areas, following which she visited the highest post in Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) sector and Chushul along the Indo-China border in Eastern Ladakh and interacted with the troops."

"This was the first ever visit of Raksha Mantri to DBO sector and to one of the highest posts in Eastern Ladakh. She was flown in an Army Aviation ALH helicopter," a statement from the Udhampur-based Northern Command of the Indian Army said.

Today visited some eastern Ladakh posts - DBO and Chushul sectors. pic.twitter.com/uz4YrHvEXM — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) February 3, 2018

Altitude, adverse weather conditions notwithstanding, our brave warriors keep their motivation high. @DefenceMinIndia @adgpi pic.twitter.com/Db1c0Ewb2w — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) February 3, 2018

Smt @nsitharaman visited the highest post in Dault Beg Oldie (DBO) sector & Chushul along the Indo-China border in Eastern Ladakh. She was briefed about the operational preparedness of the forward areas. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/VIh6r80QuM — Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) February 3, 2018

Smt @nsitharaman also had an open interaction with soldiers & complimented them for their steadfastness & dedication despite the harsh climate & terrain. 2/2@NorthernComd_IA pic.twitter.com/8UbP4EfxMr

— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) February 3, 2018

Daulat Beg Oldie is situated at a height of 16,700 feet in eastern Ladakh, where the temperature plummets as low as -55°C in winters in the area.

In her interaction with the troops, the Minister "complimented them for their steadfastness and dedication despite the harsh climate and terrain", the statement added.

"Her visit has further boosted the morale of the troops deployed at these extremely difficult snow-covered locations in Ladakh," it further said.

(With IANS inputs)