PM Modi unveils new Navy ensign, says ‘slavery traces’ removed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled the new ensign of Indian Navy that he said has ‘removed remaining traces of slavery and colonial past’ on the country’s warships by doing away with the St George’s cross.

The new ensign is inspired by the country’s maritime history as well as the seal of legendary Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji. “Till now the identity of slavery remained on the flag of Indian Navy. But from today onwards, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji, the new navy flag will fly in the sea and in the sky,” Modi said in Kochi while unfurling the new naval flag on the INS Vikrant.

Modi has often spoken on the need to let go of colonial legacy in the forces and replace it with Indian traditions and strategic thought. Officials said the new design, inspired by Indian maritime history, has two features – the national flag on top left corner and a navy blue octagon. The octagon encompasses the national emblem resting on top of an anchor and the navy’s motto, ‘Sam no Varunah’, written in Devanagari script.