Smriti Irani celebrates Raksha bandhan with soldiers in Siachen

Siachen, Aug 18: Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani on Thursday tied rakhis on several Indian Army soldiers here on the ocassion of Raksha Bandhan.

She visited the army base camp in Siachen, the highest battle ground on earth and became the first woman minister in India to do so.

Irani distributed sweets among the soldiers and said: "The country needs to thank these brave men who are serving the country at such a place away from their family."

"I feel honoured to have got this chance to celebrate Rakshabandhan with our soldiers. I am proud to tie Rakhi on their wrists and pray for their well-being," she added.

The minimum temperature here dips below -50 degree Celsius. Both India and Pakistan have been maintaining there military presence here since 1984.

Textiles Minister Smriti Irani celebrates Raksha Bandhan with Army Jawans deployed at Siachen base camp. pic.twitter.com/K7hFbsDSZg

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 18, 2016

An honour for me, to celebrate this festival here with my brothers who guard the borders: Smriti Irani in Siachen pic.twitter.com/kX58ied326

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 18, 2016

Textiles Minister Smriti Irani celebrates Raksha Bandhan with Army Jawans deployed at Siachen base camp. pic.twitter.com/70fwEwPJHw

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 18, 2016

IANS