In a significant event on December 28, President Droupadi Murmu boarded the Indian Navy's indigenous Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghsheer at the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka to participate in a dived sortie, as confirmed by an official source.

According to the President's Secretariat, "The President is conducting a sortie on the Western Seaboard, accompanied by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, who supports her role as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces."

Labeling the event as a historic milestone, the official noted that this is the first time a sitting President of India has undertaken a sortie aboard a Kalvari-class submarine, making it only the second instance of such an experience for an Indian President after Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

During this engagement, President Murmu performed a dived sortie on INS Vaghsheer while navigating the Western Seaboard.

“Throughout the sortie, the President received insights into the submarine arm's critical role in India's maritime strategy, including its operational capabilities and its importance in protecting national maritime interests,” stated the official.

Furthermore, she engaged with the crew of INS Vaghsheer, praising their commitment, professionalism, and spirit of selfless service.

President Murmu emphasized that the indigenous submarine exemplifies the Indian Navy's professional excellence, combat readiness, and steadfast dedication to national security, as stated in the report.

On October 29, President Murmu made history by flying in a Rafale fighter aircraft at Air Force Station Ambala in Haryana, becoming the first President to pilot two different fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force's arsenal. Earlier in 2023, she had piloted a Sukhoi-30 MKI.

Notably, Air Force Station Ambala was the initial base that received Rafale aircraft from the Dassault Aviation facility in France.

The President's flight lasted approximately 30 minutes, covering nearly 200 km, before she returned to the base.

The aircraft was piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, and it soared to an altitude of around 15,000 feet while cruising at a speed of about 700 km per hour.

Later, in the visitor's book, she expressed her delight in visiting Air Force Station Ambala for her inaugural flight on the Rafale aircraft, stating, “The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the powerful Rafale aircraft has reignited my pride in our nation's defense capabilities. I commend the Indian Air Force and the entire Air Force Station Ambala team for their successful organization of this sortie.”