President Murmu Embarks on Historic Submarine Sortie Aboard INS Vagshir
President Droupadi Murmu makes history with a submarine sortie on INS Vagshir, showcasing India's naval prowess.
Photo by Vizag Explore
President Droupadi Murmu undertook a historic operational sortie onboard INS Vagshir, a Kalvari-class submarine, in Mumbai. This marks the first time a President of India has embarked on a submarine for an operational demonstration.
The visit aimed to witness the Indian Navy's operational capabilities and readiness, especially highlighting the indigenous defense manufacturing under Project 75. As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President's engagement with the naval personnel boosts morale and underscores the nation's commitment to strengthening its maritime security.
Key Facts
President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie on INS Vagshir
First Indian President to embark on a submarine for operational demonstration
INS Vagshir is a Kalvari-class submarine
Part of Project 75 for indigenous submarine construction
UPSC Exam Angles
Constitutional role and powers of the President of India vis-à-vis the Armed Forces.
India's defence acquisition policy and indigenous defence manufacturing initiatives (Project 75, Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence).
Indian Navy's capabilities, submarine fleet, and maritime security strategy.
Geopolitical significance of the Indo-Pacific region and India's role.
Technological aspects of modern submarines (diesel-electric vs. nuclear, AIP systems).
Visual Insights
President's Historic Submarine Sortie: Location & Strategic Context
This map highlights Mumbai, the location of President Murmu's historic submarine sortie aboard INS Vagshir, and places it within India's broader maritime strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It underscores the importance of naval bases and maritime security.
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Key Metrics: Indian Navy & Indigenous Defense (as of Dec 2025)
This dashboard provides crucial statistics related to the Indian Navy's operational environment and the progress of indigenous defense manufacturing, particularly Project 75, which was highlighted by the President's visit.
- Indian Coastline Length
- 7,516 km
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
- 2.02 million sq km
- Kalvari-class Submarines (Project 75)
- 6 out of 6 commissioned
- Defense Exports (FY 2023-24)
- ₹21,083 Crore+31.6%
Crucial for national security, trade, and resource protection. The Indian Navy is tasked with safeguarding this extensive coastline.
Vast maritime area where India has sovereign rights for exploration and exploitation of resources. Protection is a key naval responsibility.
INS Vagshir is the 6th and final submarine of Project 75, marking a significant milestone in India's indigenous submarine construction capabilities and naval modernization.
Demonstrates India's growing capability in defense manufacturing and its emergence as a net defense exporter, reducing import dependency.
More Information
Background
The President of India, as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, holds a ceremonial yet significant role in military affairs. Historically, such high-profile visits by the Head of State serve to boost morale, demonstrate political will, and highlight strategic priorities.
India's maritime security has gained increasing prominence, especially in the context of the Indo-Pacific region and growing geopolitical competition. The Indian Navy is undergoing significant modernization, with a strong emphasis on indigenous manufacturing under initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the President of India and the Indian Navy's capabilities, consider the following statements: 1. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and this power is exercised independently of the Council of Ministers. 2. INS Vagshir, a Kalvari-class submarine, is a nuclear-powered attack submarine built under Project 75. 3. Project 75 aims at the indigenous construction of six conventional submarines with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) capability. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is incorrect: While the President is the Supreme Commander, this power is exercised on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, as per constitutional provisions (Article 74). The President acts as a nominal head. Statement 2 is incorrect: INS Vagshir is indeed a Kalvari-class submarine, but these are conventional (diesel-electric) attack submarines, not nuclear-powered. They are built under Project 75. Statement 3 is incorrect: Project 75 involves the indigenous construction of six conventional submarines. While the Indian Navy is working on integrating AIP technology, the original Project 75 submarines (Kalvari class) were not initially built with AIP. AIP is being retrofitted or considered for future batches/projects.
2. In the context of India's indigenous defence manufacturing and naval modernization, consider the following statements: 1. The Kalvari-class submarines are based on the Scorpene design, developed by Naval Group of France and Navantia of Spain. 2. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is the sole public sector shipyard involved in the construction of submarines for the Indian Navy. 3. The 'Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)' project is associated with the development of India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). How many of the statements given above are correct?
- A.Only one
- B.Only two
- C.All three
- D.None
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct: The Kalvari-class submarines are indeed based on the Scorpene design, a collaboration between Naval Group (France) and Navantia (Spain). Statement 2 is incorrect: While MDL is a major public sector shipyard involved in submarine construction (Project 75), Larsen & Toubro's Hazira shipyard is also involved in the 'Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)' project for nuclear submarines, demonstrating private sector involvement in strategic defence projects. Statement 3 is correct: The 'Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)' project is the codename for India's program to design and build nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), such as the Arihant class. Therefore, only two statements are correct.
3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the significance of the President of India undertaking an operational sortie on a submarine?
- A.It signifies the President's direct command over the operational deployment of naval assets during wartime.
- B.It is a constitutional requirement for the Supreme Commander to periodically inspect all major defence platforms.
- C.It serves to boost the morale of the armed forces personnel and highlights the nation's commitment to defence preparedness and indigenous capabilities.
- D.It implies a shift in the President's role from a ceremonial head to an active participant in defence strategy formulation.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Option A is incorrect: The President's role as Supreme Commander is largely ceremonial; direct command over operational deployment rests with the executive government (Council of Ministers) and the military leadership. Option B is incorrect: There is no specific constitutional requirement for the President to periodically inspect defence platforms. Such visits are discretionary and symbolic. Option C is correct: The primary significance of such high-profile visits by the Supreme Commander is to boost the morale of the armed forces, demonstrate political will, and underscore the nation's commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities, especially indigenous ones. Option D is incorrect: The President's constitutional role as a ceremonial head does not change to an active participant in defence strategy formulation through such visits.