New Delhi. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissions the 40,000 INS Vikrant, the largest warship built in the country, on September 2, the Indian Navy will not only get its second aircraft carrier but also a new Ensign that jettisons the Cross of St. George, a colonial-era vestige on its flag.
“During the event, the PM will also unveil the new naval ensign (nishaan), doing away with the Colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage,” the PMO said in a statement.
While there has been no official word on what the new Ensign will be, the reference to “doing away with the colonial past” in the makes it clear that the St George’s Cross will no longer adorn the flag. St George, the patron saint of England, is identified with honour and gallantry.
The current Ensign is the St George’s Cross on a white background, with the national emblem at the intersection and the Tricolour on the top left.
The aim is to bring the Indian Navy’s ensign on line with the flags of
the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The army’s flag in red has the tricolour on the top left with crossed swords under the national emblem. The IAF flag in blue also has the tricolour on the left, with the national emblem above the IAF crest and the roundel in the colours of the national flag.
