At the aircraft carrier Vikrant Commissioning celebration on Friday, September 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reveal a new ensign of the Indian Navy, media reported. He will formally inaugurate the nation’s first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
He will also present the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial history and fitting for the rich Indian maritime legacy, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

According to Navy authorities, the Indian Navy will receive a new emblem on September 2 without the Saint George’s cross on its flag since the British placed it during the pre-independence era.

The cross sign was taken off the flag between 2001 and 2004 under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee administration, but it was put back on it after the Sonia Gandhi-led UPA regained power. The government noted several objections made by then-Navy authorities over the insignia.

They added that the navy headquarters had provided the government with roughly ten possible designs. However, the recommendations ranged from having 11 waves on the flag to reflecting the 11 separate coastal states.

The Cholas and later the Marathas were among the historic Indian navies, according to the Navy officials, who stated that there was also a suggestion to include a sign from their era.

President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, would grant her final permission after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On September 1 and 2, the prime minister will travel to Kerala and Karnataka.

The hallowed birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, Sri Adi Shankara Janma Bhoomi Kshetram, will be visited by PM Modi on September 1. He will inaugurate the nation’s first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, on September 2 at Kochi’s Cochin Shipyard Limited.