New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, today undertook a dived sortie onboard the Indian Navy submarine INS Vaghsheer on the Western Seaboard. The President embarked the submarine at Karwar Naval Harbour, Karnataka, and was accompanied by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.

During the over two-hour-long sortie, President Murmu interacted with the submarine’s crew and witnessed a series of operational demonstrations, gaining firsthand insight into the functioning and combat readiness of the submarine.

President Murmu is only the second President of India to undertake a submarine sortie, after A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Her maiden embarkation onboard an indigenous Kalvari-class submarine highlights the continued engagement of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces with the Indian military in operational environments.

Earlier, in November 2024, the President had also witnessed an operational demonstration by the Indian Navy onboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Recording her impressions in the visitor’s book, the President described the experience as “very special” and praised the professionalism of the crew. She noted that the multiple successful firings and challenging operations carried out by INS Vaghsheer reflect the crew’s exceptional preparedness and dedication, in keeping with the submarine’s motto ‘Veerta Varchasva Vijaya’.

“Witnessing the discipline, confidence and enthusiasm of the Vaghsheer crew assures me that our submarines and the Indian Navy are combat-ready against any threat and under all circumstances,” the President wrote.