NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, DEC 28
In a rare and powerful demonstration of India’s civil–military synergy, President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, undertook a dived operational sortie aboard the Indian Navy submarine INS Vaghsheer on the Western Seaboard, reaffirming India’s underwater combat readiness and indigenous defence capability.
President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, undertook a maiden dived sortie onboard the indigenous Kalvari Class submarine #INSVaghsheer today, a powerful reaffirmation of the Nation's confidence in indigenous submarine construction and the centrality of… https://t.co/L4VXKj7keE pic.twitter.com/hFDVlktwXQ
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 28, 2025
The President embarked the Kalvari-class submarine from Karwar Naval Harbour, Karnataka, and spent over two hours underwater, observing operational manoeuvres and interacting closely with the submarine’s officers and sailors. The sortie was accompanied by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.
- President undertakes dived sortie aboard indigenous submarine INS Vaghsheer
- Rare operational embarkation highlights navy’s sub-surface strike preparedness
- Second Indian President after APJ Abdul Kalam to sail and dive in a submarine
- Confidence in crew, capability and indigenous defence strength reinforced
A Rare Beneath-the-Sea Engagement by the Supreme Commander
President Murmu becomes only the second President of India to undertake a submarine sortie, after APJ Abdul Kalam, marking a historic moment in India’s naval legacy.
The embarkation aboard INS Vaghsheer, an indigenously built Kalvari-class submarine, reflects the Supreme Commander’s continued engagement with the Armed Forces in real operational environments. It follows her November 2024 embarkation aboard aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, where she witnessed live naval operational demonstrations.
Such direct interaction at sea and below the surface underscores institutional confidence in the Indian Navy’s platforms, personnel and mission readiness.
Operational Demonstrations Showcase Combat Preparedness
During the sortie, the President witnessed operational drills, underwater manoeuvres and system demonstrations, gaining firsthand insight into the complexity and precision of submarine warfare.
INS Vaghsheer’s performance highlighted:
- High operational readiness
- Precision handling during submerged operations
- Seamless coordination among crew
- Capability to operate in challenging maritime environments
The interaction with sailors and officers provided a close look at the professionalism and discipline required for prolonged sub-surface missions.
President’s Message: Confidence in Navy’s Readiness Under All Circumstances
In the visitor’s book, the President recorded a deeply appreciative note, stating:
“It was indeed a very special experience for me to sail, dive and spend time with our sailors and officers onboard INS Vaghsheer. The multiple successful firings and challenging operations carried out by INS Vaghsheer demonstrate the crew’s exceptional preparedness and dedication, in accordance with its 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.”
Her words reflect not only morale support but also strategic confidence in India’s maritime deterrence posture.
Indigenous Strength and Strategic Signalling
INS Vaghsheer is part of India’s Kalvari-class submarines, built under the Make in India initiative, reinforcing the country’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The President’s sortie sends a strong signal of:
- Trust in indigenous platforms
- Recognition of submarine crews’ silent service
- Commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region
It also highlights the Indian Navy’s role as a credible, combat-ready force capable of responding to evolving threats across domains.
