March 21, 2002

LOK SABHA

'33'

FOREIGN FLAGS ON NAVYSHIPS AND SUBMARINES

    All commissioned Indian Naval Ships, Submarines and Shore Establishments fly the Indian Naval Ensign. After January 26, 1950, the ships and submarines of the Indian Navy displayed the Indian Naval Ensign.  This Ensign was white in colour, divided into four parts by a Red Cross and had the Indian Flag in its left quarter. From 15th August 2001, Indian Naval Ships, Submarines and Shore Establishments are now adorned with a new Indian Naval Ensign. The present design of the Ensign was made keeping in mind simplicity, commonality of the Ensign with the two other Services and the use of white and Navy blue
colours which are traditional to the Navy. The new Naval Ensign now displays the National Flag at the left, top corner and a Navy Anchor with the National Crest above it in Navy Blue. In addition, the Naval Ensign is also flown at the shore Headquarters of a ship or senior officer, at detach Naval Establishments. Naval Ensign can also be flown at Naval Recruiting Office with the permission of Naval Headquarters. Besides, Inter-service establishments like National Defence College, New Delhi, National Defence Academy, Khadakvasala, Defence Service Staff College, Wellington and College of Defence Management, Secunderabad are also authorised to fly the Naval Ensign.  This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot in Lok Sabha today.