Droupadi Murmu takes sortie in submarine, becomes 2nd president after Kalam to do so

President Droupadi Murmu created history on Sunday by becoming the first female Indian President to undertake a sortie in a submerged submarine. The President boarded the INS Abdul Kalam, a potent indigenous submarine, off the coast of Visakhapatnam for a nearly four-hour journey beneath the waves. This high-profile visit was designed to give the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces a first-hand look at the Indian Navy’s underwater combat capabilities and the grueling conditions under which submariners operate.

During the mission, the President was briefed on the submarine's advanced sonar systems, torpedo launch capabilities, and stealth technology. She witnessed several operational drills, including emergency surfacing and periscope operations, demonstrating the high state of readiness of the Eastern Naval Command. Murmu expressed her deep admiration for the sailors, noting that their dedication to defending the nation’s maritime borders in such a confined and challenging environment is truly commendable.

The President also interacted with the crew members on board, sharing a meal and discussing their life at sea. Her visit to the Visakhapatnam naval base included a review of other strategic assets, but the submarine dive remained the highlight of the day. Naval officials stated that such visits from the head of state boost the morale of the silent service and highlight the success of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in naval engineering.

This historic dive follows the footsteps of her predecessors, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil, who had also visited naval platforms, but Murmu’s specific focus on the advanced submarine fleet underlines India's growing maritime ambitions. As India continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean Region, the President’s sortie serves as a powerful message of national resolve and military modernization.