President Droupadi Murmu undertook a submarine sea sortie on the Western Seaboard on Sunday, marking a rare moment in India’s naval history.
The President embarked the Indian Navy’s indigenous Kalvari-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer, at the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka. During the sortie, she observed the operational conditions inside the submarine and interacted with naval personnel.
INS Vaghsheer is part of India’s growing fleet of modern, indigenously built submarines. The visit highlighted the Navy’s underwater capabilities and the demanding environment in which submariners operate.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi accompanied President Murmu during the sortie. As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President’s presence
onboard was seen as a strong gesture of support for the Indian Navy and its personnel.
Officials said the sortie took place along the Western Seaboard, an important maritime region for India’s naval operations.
President Droupadi Murmu embarked the Indian Navy's indigenous Kalvari class submarine INS Vaghsheer at Karwar Naval Base, Karnataka. The President is undertaking a sortie on the Western Seaboard. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi is accompanying the Supreme…pic.twitter.com/8LWzOkc4Ut
President Droupadi Murmu embarked the Indian Navy's indigenous Kalvari class submarine INS Vaghsheer at Karwar Naval Base, Karnataka. The President is undertaking a sortie on the Western Seaboard. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi is accompanying the Supreme… pic.twitter.com/8LWzOkc4Ut
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This was President Droupadi Murmu’s maiden submarine sortie and only the second time an Indian President has undertaken such an experience. The first was by former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who had also gone on a submarine sortie during his tenure.
The event is considered significant, as submarine operations remain among the most complex and sensitive missions carried out by the Navy. President Murmu’s visit offered a glimpse into the challenges faced by crews working deep underwater for extended periods.
