President Droupadi Murmu had topped the list of the Indian heads of state when she was the first to perform a submarine sortie when she boarded the navy submarine INS Arighaat, the second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine of India. The incident highlighted the growing naval capabilities of India and how she is the overlord of the military. This raid brought out the aspect of self-defense in times of increasing maritime threats.
Submarine and Its Importance.
A nuclear triad effective between INS Arihant and INS Arighaat: INS Arighaat is commissioned in August 2024 and will provide the basis of the Indian nuclear triad. It is designed in house by the Navy and the DRDO and is equipped with K-15 Sagarika missiles with a range of 750km and it can remain under water up to weeks. Crew readiness was also tested and stealth capabilities confirmed by a 30-minute off Visakhapatnam by President Murmu. Simulating real operations in the Indian Ocean Region, the sortie went to the depth of the periscope.
A Groundbreaking Women Leaders.
President Murmu, 66, leapt into the confined areas of the submarine, wearing his life jacket and helmet and then climbing the small hatch. She also communicated with officers, complementing them with regard to discipline and the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat behind Arighaat. It was her second naval breakthrough since the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in 2023. Her appearance also gave a boost to morale, which is an indication of gender inclusiveness in high-stakes defense jobs. Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi escorted her and informed her about strategic deterrence.
Naval Modernization Push
The sortie was part of the Indian naval build-up -SSBNs, frigates and carriers against Chinese and Pakistani expansion. The propulsion of Arighaat is silent which provides second-stike capability which is crucial to credible deterrence. President Murmu praised the team of 1,500 and asked the team to be innovative in the long term. It succeeded the launching of anti-submarine warfare vessel by GRSE and strengthened blue-water ambitions.
Broader Implications
This incident positioned the Indian submarine into the world map particularly after recent events in Indo-Pacific. At home, it stimulated young people to study STEM and defense professions. President Murmu had a point when he said, Submarines represent patience, accuracy and patriotism; this made technology associated with national determination. With India looking forward to increasing her SSBNs to 2030, her sortie makes her a leader in a nuclear sub club of few countries.
It resulted in a successful landing and a cheerful re-emergence, and a new dedicated approach to maritime security. The bold move by President Murmu makes her an icon in homogeneous heritage.
