President Droupadi Murmu Makes History With Submarine Sortie Aboard INS Vaghsheer

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday created a historic milestone by undertaking a dived sortie onboard the Indian Navy’s indigenous Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghsheer at the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka.

The rare operational engagement reinforced India’s expanding maritime strength. It also highlighted President Murmu’s active role as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

President Murmu embarked on the submarine on the Western Seaboard, accompanied by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.

Officials from the President’s Secretariat described the sortie as a moment of national pride.

“The President is undertaking a sortie on the Western Seaboard. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi is accompanying the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces,” an official of the President’s Secretariat said in a post on X.

They noted that President Murmu became only the second Indian President to experience a submarine sortie, after former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

During the underwater mission, President Murmu received a comprehensive briefing on the strategic role of the submarine arm in India’s maritime doctrine.

Naval officers explained INS Vaghsheer’s operational capabilities, stealth strength, and its critical contribution to safeguarding India’s maritime interests across sensitive sea lanes.

The engagement underscored the Navy’s emphasis on indigenous platforms and combat readiness in an evolving security environment.

Interaction With Crew and Focus on Self-Reliance

President Murmu also interacted closely with the officers and sailors aboard INS Vaghsheer. She praised the crew for their discipline, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to national service.

The President described the submarine as a powerful symbol of the Indian Navy’s professional excellence. She said it stands as clear evidence of India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Officials stated that the sortie reflected President Murmu’s consistent effort to personally engage with the Armed Forces.

She actively sought to understand their operational preparedness through firsthand experience.

Her presence onboard an active submarine conveyed a strong message of confidence. It also boosted morale among personnel across India’s maritime frontiers.

Earlier this year, President Murmu also made history in the air.

On October 29, President Murmu undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter aircraft at Air Force Station Ambala in Haryana.

With this flight, she became the first Indian President to fly in two different fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

She had earlier flown a Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023, further cementing her unique record.

During the Rafale sortie, President Murmu flew for nearly 30 minutes. She covered close to 200 kilometres at an altitude of around 15,000 feet and a speed of approximately 700 km per hour.

Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, piloted the aircraft. Air Force Station Ambala holds special significance as the first base to receive Rafale jets from France.

In her remarks after the Rafale flight, President Murmu said the experience filled her with renewed pride in India’s defence capabilities.

She commended the Indian Air Force for its professionalism and flawless execution.

Through engagements across sea and sky, President Murmu actively affirms India’s defence preparedness and indigenous military capability. She consistently highlights the courage, professionalism, and commitment of the nation’s armed forces.

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