Team Herald
PANJIM: President of India, Droupadi Murmu on Thursday witnessed the operational demonstration by the Indian Navy onboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off Goa, operating in the company of 15 frontline warships and submarines.
This was President Murmu’s maiden visit to Indian Navy ships at sea. The President was briefed on the Indian Navy’s role and charter and the concept of operations.
She also witnessed deck-based fighter take-offs and landings, missile firing drills from a warship, submarine operations, flypasts of over 30 aircraft, and culminating with traditional steam-past of warships.
The President also interacted with the crew of INS Vikrant at lunch, which was followed by her address to the fleet that was broadcast to all units at sea.
Earlier, on her arrival at INS Hansa (Naval Air Station at Goa), she was received by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff and Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
A 150-men ceremonial ‘Guard of Honour’ was also paraded on her arrival.
She was accorded a warm welcome by Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant
and others