President Droupadi Murmu Undertakes Submarine Sortie Onboard INS Vaghsheer

New Delhi, Dec 28 : President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu on Saturday undertook a dived sortie onboard the Indian Navy’s submarine INS Vaghsheer on the Western Seaboard, marking a significant moment in her engagement with the Armed Forces. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi accompanied the President during the sortie.

The President embarked the submarine at Karwar Naval Harbour in Karnataka and spent over two hours onboard, during which she interacted with the crew and witnessed a series of operational demonstrations. INS Vaghsheer is an indigenous Kalvari-class submarine, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

President Murmu is only the second President of India to take a submarine sortie, after former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The visit underscores the Supreme Commander’s continued engagement with the Armed Forces in operational environments. Earlier, in November 2024, the President had witnessed an operational demonstration by the Indian Navy onboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Later, while recording her remarks in the visitor’s book, the President described the experience as special and memorable. She wrote that sailing, diving and spending time with the sailors and officers onboard INS Vaghsheer gave her a deeper appreciation of their professionalism and dedication.

Referring to the multiple successful firings and challenging operations carried out during the sortie, President Murmu said these demonstrated the crew’s exceptional preparedness and commitment, in line with the submarine’s motto “Veerta Varchasva Vijaya”. She added that witnessing the discipline, confidence and enthusiasm of the crew assured her that India’s submarines and the Indian Navy are fully combat-ready to face any threat under all circumstances.