President Murmu Joins Elite Club of Indian Leaders on Submarine Mission

A significant moment for India’s defence history, Droupadi Murmu became the second President of India to undertake an operational submarine sortie. She embarked on a voyage aboard INS Vaghsheer a frontline submarine of the Indian Navy, off the western coast from the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka. The rare experience underscores India’s growing indigenous naval capabilities and the President’s role as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

About the Submarine Sortie

• President Murmu embarked on the sortie aboard INS Vaghsheer from the Karwar Naval Base and sailed on the western seaboard.
• She was accompanied by Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff.
• Photographs released by the President’s Secretariat showed her donning a naval uniform and interacting with naval personnel before entering the submarine, reflecting morale boosting engagement with the Navy.

About INS Vaghsheer

INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine inducted under Project-75 Scorpene Programme. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in January 2025, it belongs to the Kalvari class of submarines.

The submarine is equipped with,

• Wire-guided torpedoes
• Anti-ship missiles
• Advanced sonar and combat systems

These features significantly enhance India’s underwater warfare and deterrence capabilities.

Significance of the Event

The sortie highlights multiple strategic aspects,

• Showcases India’s indigenous defence manufacturing progress
• Reinforces civilian military integration
• Enhances public visibility of naval preparedness
• Symbolises confidence in India’s underwater combat capabilities

It also reflects India’s broader push toward self-reliance in defence under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Background

• The only other Indian President to have undertaken a submarine sortie was A P J Abdul Kalam.
• He did so in February 2006.
• Nearly two decades later President Murmu’s voyage marks a continuation of this unique tradition, symbolizing civilian leadership’s close engagement with the armed forces.

Key Takeaways

• Droupadi Murmu became the second Indian President to undertake a submarine sortie.
• The first such sortie was undertaken by APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006.
• The sortie was conducted aboard INS Vaghsheer at Karwar Naval Base.
• INS Vaghsheer is the final submarine under Project -75 Scorpene.
• The event highlights India’s indigenous naval and defense capabilities.

Question

Q. Who was the first President of India to undertake an operational submarine sortie?

A. Pratibha Patil
B. Droupadi Murmu
C. Ram Nath Kovind
D. APJ Abdul Kalam