By Apekshita Sonowal

On Friday, September 2, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new Naval Ensign ‘Nishaan’ at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi replacing the current colonial Saint George’s Cross.

The unveiled ceremony of the new ensign took place during the commissioning of India’s first-ever indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

The older Indian Naval Ensign consisted of the colonial Saint George’s Cross, a red cross with a white background which had previously been the Union Jack of the United Kingdom until January 26, 1950, when it was replaced with the Indian flag on the left upper corner giving it an Indianised look.

                                        Old Ensign of the Indian Navy consisting the colonial Saint George's cross.

According to the spokesperson Indian Navy’s twitter handle, “The newly unveiled ensign consists of the National flag of India placed on the upper canton, and a blue octagonal shape encompassing the national emblem sitting atop an anchor, depicting steadfastness and superimposed on a shield with the Navy’s motto “Sam No Varunah” (a Vedic mantra invoking the god of seas to be auspicious) in Devanagari. The Octagonal shape represents the eight directions symbolizing the Indian Navy’s multi-directional reach and multi-dimensional operational capability. The Octagonal shape with twin golden borders draws inspiration from the seal of the great Indian emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose visionary maritime outlook established a credible naval fleet.”

“As India marks the 75^th year of its Independence, the new naval ensign is a step towards liberating the mind and further empowering the indomitable spirit of the sentinels of our seas, The Indian Navy,” states the release.

Naval Ensigns are signs or Nishaan displayed/used by navy ships and aircraft to detonate their nationality. The Indian Naval sign over the years since India’s Independence has been changed multiple times. 

Source- Indian Navy