Question:
Who is the first woman Defence Minister of Independent India?
Who is the first woman Defence Minister of Independent India?
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Indira Gandhi was the first woman to serve as Defence Minister, though her primary role was Prime Minister.
Updated On: Aug 14, 2025
- Nirmala Sitharaman
- Indira Gandhi
- Sushma Swaraj
- Sheela Dixit
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the role of Defence Minister
The Defence Minister of India is responsible for the country’s defence policy and oversight of the armed forces. This is one of the most important portfolios in the Union Cabinet.
Step 2: Indira Gandhi’s appointment
Although primarily serving as Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi also held additional charges of various ministries during her tenure. She became the first woman to hold the Defence Minister's portfolio in 1975.
Step 3: Later women Defence Ministers
Much later, in 2017, Nirmala Sitharaman became the second woman to hold this position and the first to do so as a full-time independent Defence Minister.
\[ \boxed{\text{Indira Gandhi was India's first woman Defence Minister in 1975.}} \]
The Defence Minister of India is responsible for the country’s defence policy and oversight of the armed forces. This is one of the most important portfolios in the Union Cabinet.
Step 2: Indira Gandhi’s appointment
Although primarily serving as Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi also held additional charges of various ministries during her tenure. She became the first woman to hold the Defence Minister's portfolio in 1975.
Step 3: Later women Defence Ministers
Much later, in 2017, Nirmala Sitharaman became the second woman to hold this position and the first to do so as a full-time independent Defence Minister.
\[ \boxed{\text{Indira Gandhi was India's first woman Defence Minister in 1975.}} \]
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