In a powerful display of leadership and national pride, President Droupadi Murmu descended into the silent depths aboard INS Vaghsheer, becoming one of the rare Indian Presidents to undertake an underwater submarine sortie spotlighting India’s indigenous naval strength, maritime security resolve, and the unseen courage of its submarine warriors.
In a moment that blended symbolism, strategy, and national pride, President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday scripted a rare chapter in India’s naval history by undertaking an underwater sortie aboard INS Vaghsheer, one of the Indian Navy’s most advanced indigenous submarines. As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, her presence onboard the stealthy underwater combat platform sent a powerful message about India’s growing maritime strength, self-reliance in defence manufacturing, and unwavering focus on national security.
The historic sortie took place along India’s western seaboard, a region that plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. President Murmu was accompanied by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and senior naval officers, who briefed her on the submarine’s operational capabilities and the strategic importance of undersea warfare in the current security environment.
A Rare Presidential First Beneath the Waves
It is uncommon for a sitting Indian President to board a frontline submarine and experience its operations firsthand. President Murmu’s decision to undertake this underwater sortie made the event both historic and symbolic. Submarine operations are among the most secretive and demanding aspects of naval warfare, requiring exceptional training, discipline, and mental resilience.
As INS Vaghsheer slipped beneath the surface, the President interacted with officers and sailors, gaining insight into their daily routines, challenges, and the silent vigilance that defines submarine service. Sources indicated that she spent time understanding navigation systems, stealth operations, and crew coordination inside the confined yet highly sophisticated vessel.
Her presence onboard was widely seen as a morale booster for the submarine arm of the Indian Navy, which operates far from public view but remains central to the country’s maritime deterrence strategy.
INS Vaghsheer: India’s Silent Sentinel
INS Vaghsheer is an indigenous Kalvari-class diesel-electric attack submarine, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited under India’s ambitious defence indigenisation programme. Commissioned earlier this year, the submarine represents a significant leap in India’s underwater warfare capabilities.
Designed for stealth and endurance, INS Vaghsheer is equipped with advanced sensors, modern combat management systems, and state-of-the-art torpedoes and missile-launch capabilities. Its low acoustic signature allows it to operate undetected for extended periods, making it a formidable asset in both offensive and defensive naval operations.
Naval officials highlighted that submarines like INS Vaghsheer play a vital role in sea denial, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and strategic deterrence especially in an era of evolving maritime threats and increasing competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
Showcasing India’s Indigenous Defence Strength
President Murmu’s submarine sortie also underscored India’s steady progress toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing, a key pillar of the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. The Kalvari-class submarines are the result of years of technological collaboration, skill development, and domestic industrial capability.
By choosing to board an indigenously built submarine, the President highlighted the confidence India now places in its homegrown defence platforms. Naval leadership described the moment as a recognition of the engineers, scientists, shipbuilders, and sailors whose collective effort has strengthened the nation’s underwater fleet.
The President reportedly commended the Indian Navy for its professionalism and commitment, noting that a strong and technologically advanced navy is essential for protecting India’s vast coastline, maritime trade routes, and strategic interests.
A Strong Message of Leadership and Resolve
Beyond the technical and military significance, President Murmu’s underwater journey carried a deeper message of leadership. As the Supreme Commander, her willingness to experience the operational environment of naval personnel demonstrated solidarity with the armed forces at every level.
In an age where defence preparedness is closely tied to morale and public confidence, such gestures resonate strongly within the ranks. Naval personnel described the visit as inspiring, noting that it reaffirmed the nation’s trust in those who serve silently beneath the seas.
Defence analysts also pointed out that the sortie conveyed a subtle but firm signal internationally that India remains committed to strengthening its maritime deterrence and safeguarding stability in the region.
Strategic Importance of the Western Seaboard
The sortie took place during President Murmu’s visit to INS Kadamba at Karwar, one of the Indian Navy’s most important bases and a cornerstone of its western maritime operations. INS Kadamba supports surface ships, submarines, and aircraft, making it a hub of operational readiness.
The western seaboard holds immense strategic importance, given its proximity to vital sea lanes and regional security challenges. By engaging directly with naval assets deployed in this region, the President emphasized the importance of preparedness, coordination, and continuous modernization.
Her visit included briefings on operational readiness, infrastructure development, and the Navy’s long-term vision for undersea warfare and maritime dominance.
Recognising the Human Element of Submarine Service
Life aboard a submarine is unlike any other military assignment. Crews operate in confined spaces, cut off from sunlight and external communication, often for weeks at a time. Mental resilience, teamwork, and technical expertise are essential for mission success.
During her interaction with the crew of INS Vaghsheer, President Murmu acknowledged these challenges and praised the sailors for their dedication and professionalism. She reportedly expressed admiration for their ability to operate complex systems under demanding conditions while maintaining the highest standards of discipline.
For many sailors, the opportunity to host the President aboard their submarine was a once-in-a-lifetime experience one that reinforced pride in their service and mission.
Strengthening Civil-Military Connect
President Murmu’s visit also highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between the nation’s leadership and its armed forces. Such direct engagements foster mutual understanding and reinforce democratic oversight of military institutions while respecting operational autonomy.
Her broader tour, which included stops in Goa, Karnataka, and Jharkhand, reflected a balanced approach to governance combining defence engagement with outreach to diverse regions of the country.
Observers noted that her submarine sortie stood out as a defining moment of the tour, drawing national attention to the often unseen world of underwater defence.
A Defining Moment for India’s Naval Future
As India continues to expand its naval footprint and invest in advanced maritime technologies, moments like President Murmu’s sortie aboard INS Vaghsheer assume lasting significance. They symbolize confidence in indigenous capability, respect for military service, and clarity of strategic vision.
In the silent depths of the Arabian Sea, the President’s presence aboard INS Vaghsheer became more than a ceremonial gesture. It marked a statement of intent that India’s leadership stands firmly with its armed forces and remains committed to securing the nation’s future, both above and below the waves.
President Droupadi Murmu’s historic underwater journey will be remembered not only as a rare presidential first, but as a powerful affirmation of India’s rising naval strength and the quiet courage of those who guard the nation from the depths of the ocean.
