Saichen, On Thursday, Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani celebrated rakhi with Indian Army soldiers.

Irani visited the army base camp in Siachen and tied rakhi to several soldiers, the highest battle ground on earth and became the first woman minister in India to do so.

"The country needs to thank these brave men who are serving the country at such a place away from their family", said Irani while distributing sweets to soldiers.

"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.