President Droupadi Murmu made a significant visit to the Indian Navy’s operational demonstrations off the coast of Goa on Thursday, marking her first engagement with naval forces at sea. Arriving at INS Hansa—Naval Air Station in Goa—she proceeded to board a helicopter that took her to the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which was operating alongside 15 other frontline warships and submarines.
As the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, the President received an in-depth briefing on the Navy’s strategic role, operational charter, and the concepts underpinning modern naval operations. During her time aboard INS Vikrant, she observed a series of impressive naval exercises that included fighter jets taking off and landing from the deck, missile firing drills conducted from one of the warships, and intricate submarine maneuvers.
The demonstration also featured a flypast involving over 30 aircraft, showcasing the extensive capabilities of the Indian Navy. The event concluded with a traditional steam-past of the warships, further highlighting the coordination and readiness of the naval fleet.
Following the operational demonstrations, President Murmu had lunch with the ship’s crew aboard INS Vikrant, creating an opportunity for direct interaction with the personnel serving on one of the navy’s most modern vessels. Her engagement concluded with a speech directed to the entire fleet, which was broadcast to all units at sea, reinforcing the connection and commitment between the leadership and naval forces.
Attending the event alongside President Murmu were Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Western Navy Commander Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, both of whom emphasized the importance of such high-level visits in boosting morale and fostering unity within the forces.
