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President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday undertook a submarine sortie from the Karwar naval base in Karnataka, becoming only the second Indian Head of State to do so after Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. She was accompanied by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi aboard INS Vagsheer, a Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarine.
As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Murmu’s embarkation on the frontline platform underscores India’s growing underwater warfare capabilities and is seen as a morale booster for naval personnel. Officials said the initiative also reflects the Navy’s strategic role along the Western Seaboard, emphasising “stealth, preparedness and command from the depths.”
It is the President’s second major operational platform experience in recent years. She earlier flew in a Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 and a Rafale fighter in October 2025, becoming the first Indian President to fly in two frontline IAF combat aircraft.
President Droupadi Murmu embarked the Indian Navy's indigenous Kalvari class submarine INS Vaghsheer at Karwar Naval Base, Karnataka. The President is undertaking a sortie on the Western Seaboard. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi is accompanying the Supreme… pic.twitter.com/8LWzOkc4Ut
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 28, 2025
INS Vagsheer: India’s Newest Kalvari-Class Submarine
INS Vagsheer is the sixth and final Project-75 submarine built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. The Scorpene-class vessel is equipped with advanced navigation, sonar and combat systems, and is capable of anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine-laying and underwater surveillance.
Designed for high stealth performance, the platform is often referred to as a “silent killer” and forms a critical component of India’s undersea deterrence and maritime security architecture.
Team BharatShakti
