Focus on targetted completion to boost defence: Manohar Parrikar

Newly sworn-in Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Monday said he will focus on "targeted completion" of defence projects to boost the country's defence

Lucknow: Newly sworn-in Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Monday said he will focus on "targeted completion" of defence projects to boost the country's defence.

Answering questions from thronging newspersons, Parrikar, who took oath Sunday and was allocated his portfolio late in the night, said he is "feeling proud" to have filed his Rajya Sabha nomination papers from Uttar Pradesh.

Newly sworn-in Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar

Parrikar said he was "feeling honoured" to represent the state in parliament. "I consider myself lucky," he added.

To a question, a smiling Parrikar, who quit as Goa chief minister Saturday, said he came to know of his portfolio at 11.35 p.m. Sunday.

He said he needs to study his new ministry properly, before making any comments.

"I will study it properly and reply later," he told clamouring newspersons.

He said his aim would be "targeted completion of whatever is required to strengthen India", he said.

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