New Delhi: The Central Government has introduced a revised framework governing the flags flown by Indian vessels at sea, replacing regulations that had remained unchanged for more than six decades. The new rules establish separate flag requirements for merchant ships, government-owned vessels and ships operating exclusively for the Ministry of Defence.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued the notification on November 9, superseding the earlier order introduced on February 9, 1961. The revised provisions have been notified under Section 37(1) of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. However, actions already taken under the previous notification will continue to remain valid.
Under the new regulations, Indian merchant vessels registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, will fly the Red Ensign. The flag will feature the Indian National Flag in the upper canton, positioned closest to the flagstaff. Its length will be one and a half times its width, in accordance with the Flag Code of India, 2002.
Government-owned vessels will fly the Blue Ensign, regardless of whether they are registered under the Merchant Shipping Act. These vessels will display the official badge of the department, authority or organisation that owns them. However, ships belonging to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard are exempt from this provision.
The government has also established guidelines for approving official badges displayed on the Blue Ensign. Organisations seeking to introduce new badges must obtain prior approval from the Centre through the Director General of Maritime Administration. Existing organisations using approved badges can continue displaying them.
Merchant vessels receiving financial assistance from the Ministry of Defence and operating exclusively for the ministry will also fly the Blue Ensign. Their badges, however, must be authorised through a Warrant issued by the Chief of the Naval Staff.
The Blue Ensign will be royal blue, featuring the Indian National Flag in the upper canton and a light golden badge in the centre of the fly half. The badge must remain within a circular area measuring no more than 13/30th of the flag’s width.
The revised framework marks a significant update to India’s maritime regulations, introducing clearly defined flag standards for different categories of Indian vessels.
