President Droupadi Murmu took to the seas aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on Thursday, where she observed a series of advanced operational demonstrations by the Indian Navy. This marked her first visit to Indian Navy ships at sea.
Upon her arrival at INS Hansa, the Naval Air Station in Goa, President Murmu was welcomed by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. A ceremonial Guard of Honour comprising 150 personnel was held in her honor.
Embarking on INS Vikrant along with 15 frontline warships and submarines stationed off Goa’s coast, the President received a detailed briefing on the Navy’s strategic operations. She then witnessed various naval exercises, including deck-based fighter take-offs and landings, missile firing drills, submarine maneuvers, and an impressive flypast by over 30 aircraft.
In her address, President Murmu commended the Navy’s capabilities, citing its operational reach and humanitarian efforts. She recalled a recent moment when Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev personally thanked her for the Navy’s successful rescue of a hijacked Bulgarian vessel, MV Ruen, earlier this year. The Navy’s warship, INS Kolkata, had intercepted the vessel in a high-stakes mission, rescuing the crew from Somali pirates after a 40-hour pursuit.
Discussing the integration of women into the Navy, Murmu highlighted the recent steps under the Agnipath Scheme. She applauded the Navy for becoming the first service branch to induct women Agniveers and noted advancements like appointing the first woman commanding officer and female pilots in naval aircraft.
President Murmu also interacted with female Agniveers onboard INS Vikrant, symbolizing a significant milestone in gender inclusivity within the Navy.
Admiral Tripathi underscored India’s achievement in constructing and operating both SSBNs (nuclear ballistic missile submarines) and aircraft carriers indigenously, a feat achieved by only six nations worldwide. The demonstration also included six conventional submarines from the Kalvari, Kilo, and Shishumar classes.
Concluding her visit, President Murmu shared lunch with the crew and delivered a broadcast address to the entire fleet at sea, commending the Navy’s dedication to India’s maritime security.
(Inputs from ANI)