A Rare Presidential Naval Engagement
President Droupadi Murmu’s Historic Submarine Sea Sortie: President Droupadi Murmu is set to undertake a historic submarine sea sortie from Karwar Harbour in Karnataka on December 28, 2025. This event marks a rare moment in India’s constitutional history and highlights the President’s active engagement with the country’s strategic forces.
The sortie is part of her four-day official tour covering Goa, Karnataka, and Jharkhand. It underscores the symbolic role of the President as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Strategic Importance of Karwar Harbour
The submarine sortie will commence from Karwar Harbour, one of the most important naval facilities on India’s western coastline. The base plays a crucial role in India’s maritime security architecture.
Static GK fact: Karwar Harbour is a key component of Project Seabird, India’s largest naval infrastructure project on the west coast.
By choosing Karwar for this mission, the event highlights India’s growing undersea warfare capabilities and the operational readiness of the Indian Navy.
Only the Second President to Undertake a Submarine Voyage
With this voyage, Droupadi Murmu becomes only the second President of India to undertake a submarine sortie. The first such historic mission was undertaken by A P J Abdul Kalam in February 2006 from Visakhapatnam.
This continuity reflects the trust placed in India’s naval professionalism and the symbolic importance of presidential participation in defence activities.
Static GK Tip: Submarine sorties are considered highly sensitive due to stealth operations and classified naval protocols.
A Pattern of Active Military Engagement
President Murmu has already set several precedents in defence engagement. In October 2025, she became the first Indian President to fly in a Rafale fighter jet.
Earlier, in 2023, she also flew in a Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft, making her the only President to have flown in both frontline fighter jets of the Indian Air Force.
These milestones demonstrate a consistent pattern of visible support for India’s armed forces and their modernisation efforts.
Multi-State Tour with Cultural and Academic Focus
The President will begin her journey from Goa on December 27, proceed to Karnataka on December 28, and later travel to Jharkhand. Her itinerary reflects a blend of strategic, cultural, and educational engagements.
On December 29, she will attend the centenary celebrations of Ol Chiki in Jamshedpur. Ol Chiki is the script of the Santhal tribal community, symbolising India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
Static GK fact: Ol Chiki was developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu to preserve Santhal language and identity.
On the same day, she will address the 15th convocation ceremony of NIT Jamshedpur, reinforcing the importance of higher technical education.
Cultural Outreach in Jharkhand
On December 30, President Murmu will attend the Antarrajyiy Jansanskritik Samagam Samaroh and Kartik Jatra in Gumla district. She is scheduled to address the gathering, reflecting outreach to tribal and rural communities.
This final leg of the tour highlights the inclusive nature of the presidential role, balancing national security with cultural heritage and public engagement.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
President Droupadi Murmu’s Historic Submarine Sea Sortie:
| Topic | Detail |
| Presidential Submarine Sortie | Droupadi Murmu becomes the second Indian President to undertake one |
| Location | Karwar Harbour, Karnataka |
| Previous Instance | A P J Abdul Kalam in 2006 from Visakhapatnam |
| Air Force Engagement | Flew Rafale in 2025 and Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 |
| Cultural Event | Centenary celebration of Ol Chiki script |
| Educational Engagement | 15th Convocation of NIT Jamshedpur |
| Tribal Outreach | Antarrajyiy Jansanskritik Samagam Samaroh in Gumla |
| Naval Significance | Karwar Harbour under Project Seabird |
