The Indian Navy’s rank flags have several unique features that distinguish them from other naval forces:
Color Scheme
The Indian Navy uses a distinctive color scheme for its rank flags:
- White serves as the primary field color for all rank flags
- Gold-bordered octagons contain the Navy crest
- Blue stars indicate specific rank levels
Octagon Design
A key feature of Indian Navy rank flags is the gold-bordered octagon:
- Contains the Navy crest in the center
- Represents the naval service emblem
- Adopted in 2022 as part of a redesign to reflect Indian traditions
Star Configuration
The number and placement of stars on the flags denote rank:
- Admiral: Four blue stars in the hoist side
- Vice Admiral: Three blue stars in the hoist side
- Rear Admiral: Two blue stars in the hoist side
- Commodore: One blue star in the hoist side
Historical Evolution
The current rank flag system has undergone several changes:
- Adopted on January 26, 1950, when India became a republic
- Redesigned in 2022 to incorporate more Indian elements
- Previous designs (1950-2022) featured a red cross on a white field with the Indian national flag in the canton
Recent Modifications
In 2023, the Indian Navy introduced further changes:
- New design for Admirals’ epaulettes inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s royal seal
- Reflects a move towards incorporating more Indian cultural elements
These unique features of the Indian Navy’s rank flags serve to represent the service’s heritage, hierarchy, and evolving identity as a modern naval force.
Indian Navy Rank Flags
| Flag | Use | Description |
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Flag of the Indian Navy | A white ensign, featuring the Flag of India in the canton, and a navy blue filled, gold-bordered octagon, enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy, located in the fly. |
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Commissioning pennant of the Indian Navy | A white triangular pennant with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the hoist. |
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President’s Colour of the Indian Navy | Indian Naval ensign with State Emblem of India. |
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Flag of the Admiral (rank currently reserved for the Chief of the Naval Staff) | A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and four blue stars in the hoist side. |
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Flag of the Vice admiral (also Vice Chief of the Naval Staff) | A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and three blue stars in the hoist side. |
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Flag of the Rear admiral | A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and two blue stars in the hoist side. |
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Flag of the Commodore | A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and one blue star in the hoist side. |
