On September 2, 2022, in the ceremony that marked the commissioning of INS Vikrant, the new ensign (flag) of the Indian Navy was also unveiled.
The earlier design of the Indian Navy ensign (flag) was white with a red cross. The red cross design was called St. George’s cross and was a legacy from England. The British Navy still has this St. George’s cross.
The story of the flag
The Indian Naval flag was changed in 1950, but only nominally. The Union Jack in the top left quarter was replaced by the tricolour.
St. George’s Cross was removed from the flag in 2001. An additional visual element was also added to the flag – the national emblem and the blue-colored crest of the Indian Navy set upon a white background.
This design made the Navy design similar to the flags of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army.
However, as soon as the new central government came to power in 2004, St. George’s cross was reintroduced on the map. The national emblem was retained in the center, but the crest of the Indian Navy was removed.
The flag had the Indian tricolour flag in the top left canton (top left quarter), and the national emblem in the center of St. George’s Cross.
In 2014, the words “Satyameva Jayate” (truth alone triumphs) were added below the National Emblem.
The flag was changed again in 2022.
Elements of the 2022 design
The Indian tri-colour is in the top left canton (quarter).
On the right, there is a navy blue octagon on the fly side. This octagon has 2 golden borders.
Inside the octagon are the following:
A. The national emblem of India with the national motto – Satyameva Jayate at the base
B. The crest of the Indian Navy – anchor.
C. The motto of the Indian Navy – शं नो वरुणः.
The octagonal element draws inspiration from the shape of the seal of Shivaji Maharaj. Chhatrapati Shivaji was an Indian ruler was invested in creating a naval force to protect India’s west coast from foreigners.
The base colour of the ensign is white.