[2] Following India's emergence as an independent nation on 15 August 1947, the RIN continued the use of the White Ensign as its preferred choice, until 26 January 1950, when the country formally became a republic.

[3] Correspondingly thereafter, the RIN was re-christened the Indian Navy (IN), while the service's crest and flags were duly changed to India-centric configurations.

[3] By the early 1970s, amidst decolonization, the desire for the introduction of a new ensign bereft of any colonial-era identity became very strong within the ranks of the IN.

[5] The naval rank flags, which too had portrayed the St. George's Cross, were changed to a newer pattern, based on the ensign.

[3] Nevertheless, the new ensign was a troubled and unpopular change, as many complained that the blue of the naval crest was indistinguishable from the sky and the ocean, when viewed from afar.

[10] Following the decision of its impending replacement, the altered ensign and its corresponding flags were subsequently flown for the final time on 24 April 2004.

[12][13] The new, modified version bore the St. George's Cross, albeit with an additional touch-up of the State Emblem of India at the intersection, as an added feature.

[16] The revised ensign, which happened to be its fourth alteration since 1950, was unveiled for the first time by prime minister Narendra Modi on 2 September, at the commissioning ceremony of aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

[6] Additionally, the octagonal shape also represents the eight directions: four cardinal and four inter-cardinal, symbolizing the multidirectional reach and multidimensional operational capability of the IN.