Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 28: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday embarked on a historic dived sortie aboard the Indian Navy’s indigenous Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghsheer at the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka, officials confirmed.
“The President is undertaking a sortie on the Western Seaboard. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi is accompanying the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces,” an official from the President’s Secretariat noted on X.
This marks only the second time a President of India has undertaken a submarine sortie, the first being former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. During the engagement, President Murmu was briefed on the submarine arm’s role in India’s maritime strategy, its operational capabilities, and its contribution to safeguarding national maritime interests.
She also interacted with the crew of INS Vaghsheer, praising their professionalism, dedication, and spirit of selfless service. The President described the indigenous submarine as “a shining example of the Indian Navy’s operational excellence, combat readiness, and unwavering commitment to national security.”
This sortie follows President Murmu’s earlier historic flight in a Rafale fighter aircraft at Air Force Station Ambala in Haryana on October 29, making her the first Indian President to fly in two different fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. She had previously flown a Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023.
During the Rafale sortie, she covered nearly 200 km in approximately 30 minutes at an altitude of 15,000 feet and a speed of around 700 km per hour, accompanied by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron. In the visitor’s book, the President described the experience as “unforgettable” and praised the Indian Air Force for showcasing the nation’s defence capabilities.
President Murmu, as Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, continues to engage directly with India’s defence forces, highlighting both operational preparedness and national pride in the country’s military advancements.