New Naval Ensign: “Doing away with the Colonial past” and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage
With this, India now has two operational aircraft carriers that will strengthen the country’s security.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled a new naval ensign at the commissioning ceremony of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant in Kochi.
This is not the first time that the Naval ensign has been replaced. Since 1950, this is the fifth change in the naval ensign.
Before it was unveiled, the reference made it clear that its about “doing away with the Colonial past” and the St George’s Cross (a red cross on a white background) will no longer adorn the naval flag.
St George, the patron saint of England, is still identified and remembered with ideals of honour and gallantry.
Between 2001 and 2004, the Indian Navy had adopted ensigns that displayed only the Indian flag and the navy crest.
The navy’s ensign from 1950 to 2001 was the St George’s Cross on a white background, with the national flag in the upper canton which was later changed in 2001.
In 2004, the navy returned to its pre-2001 ensign with the addition of the state emblem placed at the intersection of the cross.
In 2014, at the centre of the St George’s Cross-the words “Satyamev Jayate” were placed under the national emblem.
Since the INS Vikrant has been commissioned now the Navy will be focusing on critical flight trials rom November. However, the the warship is likely to be fully operational by the middle of next year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils the new Naval Ensign pic.twitter.com/VANeQa8pQt
— Newsroom Post (@NewsroomPostCom) September 2, 2022
With this, India now has two operational aircraft carriers that will strengthen the country’s security.
Navy vice chief Vice Admiral SN Ghormade had said last week that Vikrant will strengthen India’s deterrence against China.