President Murmu Sails Aboard Indigenous Submarine INS Vaghsheer

Why in the News?

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a historic sortie aboard the Indian Navy’s indigenously-built Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghsheer at Karwar, highlighting India’s naval self-reliance, indigenous defence capabilities and close civil–military engagement. This event also underscores the importance of environmental considerations in naval operations, particularly in coastal regulation zones.

President’s Historic Sortie on INS Vaghsheer:

• President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, undertook a two-hour operational sortie aboard INS Vaghsheer on India’s western seaboard.
• The sortie took place at the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka, with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi accompanying the President. The naval base’s operations are subject to environmental clearances and coastal regulation zone guidelines.
• This marked the first-ever Kalvari-class submarine sortie by a sitting President and only the second submarine embarkation by an Indian President, after Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2006.
• The President was seen wearing a Navy uniform and cap, underscoring symbolic solidarity with naval personnel.
• She described the experience of sailing, diving and interacting with sailors and officers as deeply memorable and inspiring, while also emphasizing the Navy’s role in environmental stewardship.

INS Vaghsheer and Indigenous Naval Capability

• INS Vaghsheer is a Kalvari-class diesel-electric attack submarine, built under India’s indigenous submarine programme at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). The construction process adheres to strict environmental impact assessment guidelines.
• The submarine features advanced stealth technology, modern combat management systems, and sophisticated weaponry for undersea warfare.
• Kalvari-class submarines significantly enhance India’s sub-surface combat capability, maritime surveillance and sea-denial operations, while also considering the precautionary principle in their design and operation.
• The successful demonstration highlighted the exceptional preparedness, professionalism and operational readiness of the crew.
• The sortie reinforced India’s commitment to defence indigenisation and reduced dependence on foreign military platforms, all while promoting environmental democracy in defence manufacturing.