Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, is set to embark on a historic sea sortie aboard an Indian Navy submarine, scheduled for December 28 from Karwar Harbour. This significant event marks her as only the second Indian Head of State to experience an undersea submarine sortie, following in the footsteps of former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who undertook a similar journey on February 13, 2006, from Visakhapatnam.
The submarine excursion is part of President Murmu’s four-day tour that will commence on December 27, during which she will visit Goa, Karnataka, and Jharkhand. According to a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan, she will depart for Goa on the evening of December 27.
President Murmu has already made headlines for her groundbreaking engagements with the Indian Armed Forces. Notably, she became the first President to undertake sorties in two frontline fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Earlier this year, she flew in a Sukhoi Su-30MKI and experienced flying in a Rafale fighter jet on October 29, 2025. Her upcoming submarine sortie further cements her commitment to understanding India’s defense capabilities across air, sea, and undersea domains.
In addition to her naval activities, the President has a busy itinerary planned. After the submarine sortie, she will travel to Jharkhand to participate in the centenary celebrations of Ol Chiki in Jamshedpur on December 29. On the same day, she is also expected to address the 15th convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Technology in Jamshedpur.
Her engagements will continue on December 30, when she is scheduled to address the Antarrajyiy Jansanskritik Samagam Samaroh (Kartik Jatra) in Gumla.
This submarine sortie symbolizes not only a significant moment in her presidency but also highlights India’s evolving strategic and military capabilities. President Murmu’s close association with the armed forces reinforces the government’s commitment to enhancing national security and promoting defense awareness among citizens.
