India's PM Expands Cabinet

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has expanded his Cabinet to focus more on improving the country's economy. Twenty-one new ministers took the oath of office at a brief ceremony at the presidential palace in New Delhi.

The highest ranking appointment is Manohar Parrikar, a regional leader, who is now the new Defense Minister.

Arun Jaitley, who had held both the Defense and the Finance posts, is now free to focus on reviving the economy as Finance Minister.

Prime Minister, Modi, who took office in May with a massive mandate in the elections, now heads a 66-member council of ministers, with 26 ministers holding Cabinet rank.

Business leaders have welcomed the Cabinet expansion, saying it signals the government's intention of accelerating reforms.

The Cabinet expansion comes as parliament prepares to convene later this month.

VOA