New Naval Ensign

Why in the News?

Recently, the Prime Minister unveiled the new naval ensign (flag) for the Indian Navy in Kochi.

Key Points:

About

What is a Naval Ensign?

• Simply put, a naval ensign is a flag that is hoisted atop all naval installations, including naval warships, ground stations and naval air bases.
• Each country’s navy has its own ensign; the US Navy’s ensign is the same as the national flag, but many other navies have distinctive naval ensigns which are “worn” by their war vessels.

New Naval Ensign of Indian Navy

• The new naval ensign will replace the present ensign that carries the Saint George’s Cross with the Tricolour in the canton (top left corner of the flag).
• The new ensign consists of the national flag in the upper left canton, and a navy blue-gold octagon at the centre of the fly.
  • The twin octagonal borders draw inspiration from Shivaji Maharaj Rajmudra or the seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji
• A blue octagonal shape with the national emblem sits atop an anchor, superimposed on a shield with the navy’s motto.
• Below the shield, within the octagon, is inscribed the motto of the Indian Navy ‘Sam No Varunah’.
  •  The octagonal shape represents the eight directions symbolizing the multi-directional reach of the Indian Navy.