INDIAN NAVY 2001-04

REPUBLIC OF INDIA

NAVAL ENSIGNS, FLAGS & PENNANTS

2001-04

Notes

In 2001, the Indian Navy decided to change the ensign and commissioning pennant it has flown since 1950, replacing the Cross of St. George with the naval badge, an anchor within a frame surmounted by the state emblem, the Sarnath Lion Capital. The naval rank flags were also changed, since they too had previously displayed the Cross of St. George. The new rank flags, with the naval badge at the hoist and stars according to rank in the fly, were similar to those used by Pakistan. The rank of Admiral of the Fleet, like the Army rank of Field Marshal, is actually an honorific that is bestowed for exceptional service, usually during wartime. The national flag continued to serve as the Indian naval jack, and the naval reserve ensign was not changed.

The new naval ensign and rank flags proved unpopular with the Navy, and in 2004 they were abolished. The 1950-2001 rank flags and commissioning pennant were reinstated, and the 1950-2001 naval ensign, modified by the addition of the Sarnath Lion Capital at the intersection of the cross, was taken back into use as well.

Adoption/Abolition Dates: The new ensign, commissioning pennant and rank flags were officially adopted on August 15, 2001; abolished in 2004.

Flag Proportions: Proportions of ensigns, jacks and rank flags were 2:3. The commodore's broad pennant and the Senior Officer pennant had 1:2 proportions.