Manohar Parrikar holds his first press conference as India's new defence minister. A couple of hours ago, Parrikar filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha from Lucknow.

Refusing to answer questions on the new portfolio, Parrikar says he needs time understand his portfolio. "Let me study the department, talk to the PM, then I will take questions on my portfolio. Give me time, I will answer all queries," he says.

He said he was told he would be handling the defence portfolio at 11:35 pm yesterday.

Keeping his replies measured, Parrikar said he would complete all the pending issues required to strenghten India. "I won't allow the country to be defenceless against any enemy. I feel proud after filing my nominations for the Rajya Sabha and I feel lucky," he said.