The Centre has introduced a revised framework governing the flags flown by Indian vessels at sea, ending more than six decades of maritime flag regulations established under a 1961 notification. The new rules prescribe separate flag requirements for merchant ships, government-owned vessels and merchant vessels operating exclusively for the Ministry of Defence.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued the notification on November 9 under Section 37(1) of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, superseding the earlier order dated February 9, 1961.
However, the government has clarified that actions already taken under the previous notification will continue to remain valid.
Under the revised framework, Indian merchant vessels registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, will fly the Red Ensign, while government-owned ships will use the Blue Ensign, subject to specified exemptions and conditions.
Red Ensign for Indian merchant vessels
All Indian merchant vessels registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, will be required to fly the Red Ensign.
The flag will have a red background, with the Indian National Flag placed in the upper canton, which is the portion closest to the flagstaff. Its length-to-width ratio will be 3:2, meaning its length will be one and a half times its width, in accordance with the Flag Code of India, 2002.
The provision establishes the Red Ensign as the prescribed maritime flag for Indian-registered commercial vessels.
Government ships to fly Blue Ensign
Government-owned vessels will be required to fly the Blue Ensign, irrespective of whether they are registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
These vessels will carry the official badge of the government department, authority or organisation that owns them. However, the provision specifically excludes ships belonging to the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
The notification also establishes procedures for government organisations seeking to introduce or use official badges on their Blue Ensigns. Any new badge will require prior approval from the Centre, with applications routed through the Director General of Maritime Administration.
Organisations that are already using officially approved badges will be permitted to continue using them under the revised framework.
Special provision for merchant ships operating for Defence Ministry
A separate category has been created for Indian merchant vessels that receive financial assistance from the Ministry of Defence and operate exclusively for the ministry.
These vessels will also be required to fly the Blue Ensign instead of the Red Ensign. However, the approval process for their official badges will be different from that applicable to other government-owned vessels.
Their badges must be authorised through a Warrant issued by the Chief of the Naval Staff. Applications for such approval will have to be submitted directly to the Naval Chief.
Specifications for the Blue Ensign
The notification provides detailed specifications for the Blue Ensign, including its colour, dimensions and the placement of official insignia.
The flag will have a royal blue background, with the Indian National Flag positioned in the upper canton. The badge of the owning department, authority or organisation will be displayed in light golden colour at the centre of the fly half, the portion farthest from the flagstaff.
The badge must fit within a circular area whose diameter cannot exceed 13/30th of the flag's width. These specifications are intended to ensure uniformity in the design of Blue Ensigns used by government-owned vessels.
What Section 37 of the Merchant Shipping Act says
Section 37 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, empowers the Central Government to notify the appropriate national colours for Indian vessels and government-owned ships, including different flags for different categories of vessels.
The provision also requires registered Indian vessels to hoist their prescribed national colours when signalled by an Indian Navy or Coast Guard vessel, as well as when entering or leaving a port.
It further authorises commissioned Navy officers, Coast Guard officers, surveyors and Indian ambassadors to board vessels flying colours in violation of the Act and seize such flags, which can be forfeited to the government.
The law also prohibits foreign vessels from using Indian national colours to falsely present themselves as Indian ships, except in specific circumstances involving escape from capture during hostilities.
The November 9 notification gives effect to the government's powers under this provision and establishes a uniform, category-based framework for the flags flown by Indian vessels.