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India: President

Presidential Standard

2:3, by Nitesh Dave

Das (1981) says that "when India became a republic," the flag of the President was quarterly blue and red with charges on the four quarters in "gold line." These are the Ashoka lions, elephant, scales, and lotus vase with the charges outlined in yellow in all four quarters.
Joe McMillan, 27 January 2003

Quartered first and fourth blue, second and third red (ratio = 2:3)
1st quarter: state emblem (the lions of Sarnath) = national unity
2nd quarter: elephant from Ajanta frescos = patience and strength
3rd quarter: scales from the Red Fort, Old Delhi = justice
4th quarter: lotus vase from Sarnath = prosperity
Nitesh Dave, 19 Feb 2000

Some reports of this flag show the charges outlined in white, or some in white, and some in gold. Most sources seem to show them all in gold.

Possibly counter to a statement by Das (1981) about this flag having been abandoned in 1971 is a report at http://www.indiadefence.com/ifr_report.htm about the International Fleet Review that took place at Mumbai (Bombay) on 17 February 2001, including the following: "INS Sukanya, the Tacoma-designed platform converted into the Presidential Yacht, proceeded through the lines of ships at 14 knots following [sic--presumably "flying"] the President's Standard." If I understand this correctly, it would mean that there *is* still a presidential flag, at least one used by the Indian Navy, whether it's the quarterly blue and red design or something else.
Joe McMillan, 3 February 2003

The apparent non-use of the Presidential standard shown at is supported by the fact that the President's car at the Beating Retreat ceremony on 29 January (2006) flew only the national flag, as did the cars of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense.
Joe McMillan, 2 February 2006

The President's Body Guard (mounted ceremonial escort) at the Beating Retreat ceremony on 29 January (2006) was carrying its regimental standard, dark gray with what appeared to be dark blue and gold fringe, the regimental badge (PBG surmounting crossed lances ensigned by the national emblem) surrounded by the lotus and ashoka leaf wreath common to other Indian regiments, and four scrolls with battle honors on either side.
Joe McMillan, 2 February 2006