In a significant display of solidarity with the armed forces, President Droupadi Murmu made history by undertaking a sortie aboard an Indian Navy submarine. This event marks a rare occasion, placing her in the esteemed company of her predecessor, the late President APJ Abdul Kalam.
A Presidential Voyage Beneath the Waves
On Sunday, December 28, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, embarked on an operational submarine voyage. The sortie took place onboard the indigenous Kalvari-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer, from the Karwar naval base in Karnataka. She was accompanied by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, underscoring the importance of the event.
Prior to entering the submarine, President Murmu, donning a naval uniform, waved to the naval personnel present—a moment captured in photographs shared by the President's Secretariat on social media platform X. The official handle posted, "President Droupadi Murmu embarked the Indian Navy's indigenous Kalvari class submarine INS Vaghsheer at Karwar Naval Base."
Following in the Footsteps of a Visionary
This submarine sortie is a historic repeat after nearly two decades. Former President APJ Abdul Kalam was the first and only Indian President to undertake such a journey in February 2006. President Murmu's voyage thus establishes a powerful symbolic connection between the two heads of state, both known for their humble origins and deep connection with the nation's progress and security.
The choice of submarine for this presidential sortie is itself noteworthy. INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine inducted under the ambitious Project-75 Scorpene programme. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in January 2025, making it one of the service's newest and most potent underwater assets.
The Might of INS Vaghsheer
The submarine represents a leap in India's indigenous defence capabilities. As a frontline vessel, it is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that significantly enhances the Navy's underwater combat prowess. Key features of INS Vaghsheer include:
- Advanced wire-guided torpedoes for precise targeting.
- Potent anti-ship missiles to engage surface threats.
- Sophisticated sonar systems for superior detection and surveillance.
This arsenal ensures that the submarine is a formidable deterrent and a key component of India's maritime security strategy on the western seaboard.
Symbolism and Strategic Messaging
President Murmu's submarine sortie is far more than a ceremonial event. It sends a strong message of national resolve and technological achievement. By experiencing first-hand the conditions aboard a frontline, indigenously-built submarine, the Supreme Commander acknowledges the dedication of naval personnel and the success of India's defence manufacturing initiatives.
The event highlights the growing sophistication and self-reliance of the Indian Navy. It also reinforces the commitment of the nation's leadership to understand and support the operational realities of the armed forces. This hands-on approach by the President serves as a major morale booster for the entire naval community and the defence ecosystem.
