Why the Indian Navy will get a new flag this week

The present ensign of the Indian Navy is a white flag with horizontal and vertical red stripes, with the Emblem of India, the Lion Capital of Ashoka, emblazoned at the intersection of the two stripes. The tricolour is placed in the canton.

The horizontal and vertical red stripes, symbolising the Cross of Saint George, the national flag of England. It's reminiscent of the colonial past.

The Navy will get a new ensign on September 2, during the commissioning of the country's first indigenously-built aircraft carrier - INS Vikrant - by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.


"During the event, the Prime Minister will also unveil the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past, and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage," the PMO said on Tuesday.

ET reported that several new designs have been shortlisted and the final ensign would be unveiled at the function. After a formal gazette notification, all naval establishments will switch to the new ensign.

The Cross of Saint George has been in the naval ensign since 1928, except between 2001 and 2004, when it was replaced with a blue Indian Navy crest.

The Indian Navy was formed during the colonial period. On October 2, 1934, the naval service was renamed Royal Indian Navy. Post Independence, the Royal Indian Navy was divided into the Royal Indian Navy and the Royal Pakistan Navy.

When India becoming a Republic on January 26, 1950, the prefix 'Royal' was dropped and it became the Indian Navy. The Crown in the naval crest, depicted with an anchor, was replaced by the Ashokan Lions. The invocation to Lord Varuna (The Sea God) in the Vedas was adopted by it for its emblem, with the motto: "Sam no Varunah", meaning: 'Be auspicious unto us Oh Varuna'. The inscription of 'Satyamev Jayate' below the State Emblem was included in the crest.

INS Vikrant, first indigenously-built aircraft carrier, was built at a cost of around Rs 20,000 crore.