President Droupadi Murmu witnesses Indian Navy operations onboard INS Vikrant PANAJI: President Droupadi Murmu boarded the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and witnessed an operational demonstration by the Indian Navy at sea on Thursday. Droupadi Murmu arrived at INS Hansa, the Naval Air Station in Goa, on Thursday, where she was received by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. A ceremonial 'Guard of Honour' comprising 150 personnel was paraded in her honour upon arrival.
Murmu subsequently embarked on the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at sea, off the coast of Goa, accompanied by 15 frontline warships and submarines of the Indian Navy. This marked President Droupadi Murmu's maiden visit to Indian Navy ships at sea. The President received a briefing on the Indian Navy's role and operational strategies before observing several naval exercises , including deck-based fighter take-offs and landings, missile firing drills, submarine manoeuvres, flypasts by over 30 aircraft, and a traditional steam-past of warships.
In her address, President Murmu praised the Indian Navy's capabilities and strategic reach. "The Indian Navy units are deployed across vast areas for extended durations, showcasing their capabilities and strategic influence. Your positive, proactive, and swift actions have saved countless lives at sea.
It was a special moment for me when the Presiden.