'Forces proud to have woman Supreme Commander'

New Delhi, Jul 19: Excited over the prospect of having UPA Left nominee Pratibha Patil as the first woman Supreme Cammander of Armed forces, Defence Minister A K Antony today said he would be proud of the new experience which indicated Indian women's empowerment.

''It will be a new experience for us. We are proud of the fact. It is an example of India's empowerment, especially empowerment of its women,'' Mr Antony told reporters after casting his vote for the presidential election.

Asked whether the new President would have women ADC, Mr Antony said that it would depend on the President. ''We will obey whatever the President directs us. Defence forces are very disciplined forces and we always follow whatever direction is given to us.'' However, he parried a question regarding whether having a woman Supreme Commander would ensure better treatment of women officers in defence forces and lessen incidents of suicide.

UNI