A highly significant and symbolic event concerning India's maritime security and military preparedness has unfolded. The President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Droupadi Murmu, embarked on a sea voyage aboard the Indian Navy's state-of-the-art submarine, INS Vaghsheer, off the western coast.
President onboard INS Vaghsheer: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, undertook a sea voyage on board the submarine INS Vaghsheer on the western coast. She was accompanied by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi. The voyage commenced from the naval port of Karwar in Karnataka on Sunday.
During the over two-hour-long sortie, the President interacted with the submarine's crew and observed operational demonstrations. Droupadi Murmu is the second Indian President to have travelled in a submarine, following former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
President's Historic Voyage on INS Vaghsheer
On Sunday, President Droupadi Murmu began her sea voyage aboard INS Vaghsheer from the naval port of Karwar in Karnataka. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, was also present with her. The President spent over two hours on board the submarine, directly observing its operational systems, technical capabilities, and war exercises.
During this time, she interacted with the submarine's officers and sailors, listened to their experiences, and learned about the operations conducted in challenging circumstances. This voyage is considered to be a morale booster for the Indian Navy.
President's Step Recorded in History
President Droupadi Murmu has become the second President of the country to travel in a submarine, after former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. A statement released by the President's Secretariat stated that this voyage is the first by any President on an indigenous Kalvari-class submarine, reflecting the Supreme Commander's continued engagement with the Armed Forces.
INS Vaghsheer is a state-of-the-art diesel-electric submarine of the Indian Navy, part of the Kalvari class developed under the 'Make in India' initiative. The submarine is considered capable of conducting covert operations, enemy surveillance, and precise attacks underwater. The President expressed her feelings in the visitor's book, stating that sailing, diving, and spending time with the crew on INS Vaghsheer was a very special and proud experience for her.
She said that the tests and challenging missions successfully completed by the submarine reflect the exceptional preparation and dedication of the crew, which is in line with its motto of ‘Fearless Victory’. President Droupadi Murmu said that the discipline, confidence, and enthusiasm of the INS Vaghsheer crew prove that the Indian Navy is fully capable of dealing with any threat and every situation. She also said that the Navy's role in protecting the country's maritime borders is extremely important and the nation is proud of its soldiers.
