The Defence Minister lauded the soldiers for protecting the country bravely from the enemies fighting the extreme weather conditions

Rajnath Singh was earlier supposed to go to Siachen, the world's highest battlefield to celebrate Holi with the Indian soldiers, but his visit was cancelled due to inclement weather, reported PTI

The minister was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande

Rajnath Singh applied tilak with gulal (the Holi colours) on soldiers' foreheads and celebrated the festival. The soldiers also in return applied Holi colours to the minister

Addressing the soldiers after celebrating the festival of colours, Singh said Ladakh is the national capital of courage and bravery

"When everyone wants to hide in their homes due to extreme weather conditions, you (the soldiers) stand up to protect the country from its enemies with unwavering willpower," the minister said

"You (soldiers) are ready to fire at the enemy and take a bullet to your chest and it is due to this that the people of the country can celebrate festivals peacefully," the defence minister added