New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday undertook a historic submarine sortie aboard the Indian Navy’s indigenously-built frontline submarine INS Vaghsheer, marking a significant milestone in her tenure as the Supreme Commander of India’s armed forces. The sortie was conducted on the Western seaboard from the Karwar naval base in Karnataka, with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi accompanying the President.

Murmu becomes only the second President of India to undertake a submarine sortie, following former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who in February 2006 experienced a sortie aboard INS Sindhu Rakshak. Donning a naval uniform, the President greeted and waved at personnel on the base before entering the submarine, demonstrating both her engagement with and appreciation of India’s naval capabilities.

INS Vaghsheer: A Testament to Indigenous Naval Excellence

INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine of the P-75 Scorpene project, commissioned into the Indian Navy in January. Navy officials describe it as one of the most silent and versatile diesel-electric submarines in the world, capable of executing a wide spectrum of missions. These include:

• Anti-surface warfare
• Anti-submarine warfare
• Intelligence gathering
• Area surveillance
• Special operations

Equipped with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems, the submarine also features a modular construction allowing for future upgrades, such as the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, further enhancing its underwater endurance and operational flexibility.

During the sortie, President Murmu was briefed on the strategic role of the submarine arm in India’s maritime security and operational preparedness. She lauded the crew for their dedication, commitment, and spirit of selfless service, describing INS Vaghsheer as a “shining example of the Indian Navy’s professional excellence, combat readiness, and unwavering commitment to national security.”

Strategic Significance and Karwar Base Development

The Karwar naval base, from where the sortie was conducted, is a key strategic asset for India’s maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. The base has been developed considering long-term security interests, providing infrastructure for a modern submarine fleet, surface combatants, and auxiliary ships.

INS Vaghsheer, as part of the Scorpene-class, strengthens India’s underwater warfare capabilities and complements the Navy’s efforts to maintain a credible deterrent posture in the Indian Ocean. The submarine’s advanced stealth features, sensors, and armament allow for both defensive and offensive operations, crucial for safeguarding India’s maritime borders and interests.

President Murmu’s Engagement with the Armed Forces

President Murmu’s sortie in INS Vaghsheer follows her previous military aviation experiences, reflecting her proactive engagement with the armed forces. In October, she undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from the Indian Air Force Station in Ambala, becoming the first President of India to fly in two different IAF fighter aircraft. Earlier, in April 2023, she flew in a Sukhoi 30 MKI from Tezpur in Assam.

These sorties underscore the President’s commitment to first-hand understanding of India’s defence capabilities and her support for the armed forces. They also symbolize the ceremonial and operational role of the Supreme Commanderin fostering morale and showcasing India’s military prowess.

Symbolic and Operational Importance

The President’s submarine sortie is symbolic on multiple levels:

1. Highlighting Indigenous Capability: INS Vaghsheer, built as part of the Project-75 Scorpene program, represents India’s strides in indigenous defence technology and self-reliance in advanced naval platforms.
2. Operational Readiness: By visiting a frontline submarine, the President affirms the operational preparedness and professional excellence of the Indian Navy.
3. Strategic Messaging: The sortie demonstrates India’s commitment to maritime security and sends a signal regarding the Navy’s enhanced undersea warfare capabilities.
4. Boosting Morale: Direct interaction with the crew during the sortie highlights recognition of the dedication and skill of Navy personnel, reinforcing morale among the armed forces.

A Milestone in Indian Naval History

INS Vaghsheer, as the culmination of the Scorpene project, is part of a fleet modernization program that strengthens India’s underwater warfare domain. The submarine’s capabilities, combined with ongoing infrastructure development at Karwar, position India to respond effectively to emerging regional threats, while maintaining deterrence and strategic flexibility in the Indian Ocean.

President Murmu’s engagement reflects a broader emphasis on indigenous defence production, operational readiness, and strategic maritime posture, aligning with India’s goal of self-reliance in defence while bolstering national security.

In conclusion, the sortie aboard INS Vaghsheer not only marks a historic moment in President Murmu’s tenure but also underscores India’s growing maritime capabilities and indigenisation efforts. By personally witnessing submarine operations, the President strengthens the symbolic connection between the nation’s highest office and the armed forces, while highlighting India’s resolve to protect its maritime sovereignty and national interests.