📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Tristan Moore
Defence
Operation Safed Sagar Criticised for Incorrect Tricolour Draping; Veteran Calls for Apology
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 13 Aug 2026, 08:37 AM
👁 2
The Indian Army’s Operation Safed Sagar has come under fire after a photograph showed the tricolour flag draped incorrectly. An army veteran has demanded an official apology for the perceived disrespect.
Operation Safed Sagar, a maritime exercise conducted by the Indian Navy in partnership with allied forces, was recently spotlighted for a procedural lapse. A widely shared image from the event displayed the tricolour flag hung in a manner that did not conform to the prescribed draping guidelines, sparking criticism among veterans and civilians alike.
The misplacement of the flag was seen as a breach of decorum, prompting an army veteran to publicly demand an apology from the authorities. The veteran highlighted the symbolic importance of the tricolour and expressed concern that the mishandling could be perceived as a sign of disrespect towards the nation’s armed forces.
So far, the Indian Army has not released an official statement addressing the incident. The veteran’s appeal has drawn attention to the need for strict adherence to flag etiquette during public and military events.
The episode underscores the sensitivity surrounding national symbols and the importance of maintaining proper protocol during high‑profile military exercises.
The misplacement of the flag was seen as a breach of decorum, prompting an army veteran to publicly demand an apology from the authorities. The veteran highlighted the symbolic importance of the tricolour and expressed concern that the mishandling could be perceived as a sign of disrespect towards the nation’s armed forces.
So far, the Indian Army has not released an official statement addressing the incident. The veteran’s appeal has drawn attention to the need for strict adherence to flag etiquette during public and military events.
The episode underscores the sensitivity surrounding national symbols and the importance of maintaining proper protocol during high‑profile military exercises.