President Droupadi Murmu Creates History with Submarine Visit at Karwar Naval Base
She becomes only the second Indian President to undertake a submarine voyage, after Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.
Karwar: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday created history by undertaking a sea voyage aboard a submarine at the INS Kadamba naval base in Karwar. With this visit, she became only the second President of India, after Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, to experience a submarine journey.
The President toured INS Vaghsheer, a sixth-generation Kalvari-class submarine of the Indian Navy. Built under the “Make in India” defence programme, INS Vaghsheer is among the most advanced submarines in India’s naval fleet.
President Murmu was accompanied by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi and other senior naval officers. During the visit, she was briefed on submarine operations and gained firsthand insight into the demanding nature of underwater missions and deep-sea challenges faced by naval personnel.
On her arrival at the INS Kadamba base, the President was welcomed by Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, the Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport, and district in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya. Regional Commissioner Jayanti, Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshmi Priya, ADGP Hitendra, and senior naval officials were also present.
The visit reflects President Murmu’s close engagement with India’s armed forces and marks an important moment in strengthening the connection between the country’s highest constitutional office and the defence services.
