Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman receives prasad from a priest as she arrives to take charge in New Delhi on Thursday. PTI

Tribune News service

New Delhi, September 7

Newly appointed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today listed out an ambitious agenda for her tenure.Military preparedness, sorting out long-pending issues, thrust towards ‘Make in India’ and welfare of families of soldiers will be areas of focus, said Sitharaman as she commenced her innings at South Block in the national capital this morning. Outgoing Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and the Minister of State for Defence Dr Subhash Bhamre were present at the ceremony.In a brief statement after assuming charge, Sitharaman said: “My priority will definitely be the Armed Forces’ preparedness. It is important that the Indian Armed Forces receive all the attention in terms of giving them every necessary endowment and equipment to perform their duty.”Promising to address long-pending issues, she said: “I shall address all long-pending issues in consultation with the PM and the Cabinet to ensure that all of them are resolved.”Sitharaman stressed upon ‘Make in India’. India is the world’s biggest importer of weapons and military equipment. “To strengthen our defence capability, it’s very important to focus on Make in India. We shall ensure that it’s given full play for defence production.”She said with the technology improving, indigenous production should be ensured so that the nation benefits and also exports weapons to the international market.Sitharaman said one of her priorities would be the families of the Armed Forces personnel. “Soldiers and their families should remain absolutely assured that their interests are watched,” she said.The taking over of Sitharaman had been scheduled for Thursday and was consequent to Jaitley’s return from Japan. She was appointed Defence Minister on Sunday after the PM reshuffled his Cabinet