New Delhi | August 15, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attire during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort drew attention on Saturday after the tricolour-themed pocket square on his jacket appeared in a colour sequence different from that of the Indian National Flag.
The pocket square featured green, white and saffron sections, while the Indian National Flag is officially arranged with India saffron at the top, white in the middle and India green at the bottom, with the Ashoka Chakra in the centre.
The unusual colour arrangement quickly became a subject of discussion on social media and drew political reactions. Congress leaders took a swipe at the Prime Minister, pointing out that the green-white-saffron combination resembles the colour sequence of the Irish flag rather than India's saffron-white-green Tricolour.
The issue has also prompted debate over whether the pocket square should simply be viewed as a tricolour-inspired fashion accessory or whether the reversed sequence carries any significance.
The item does not appear to be a conventional Indian National Flag, and therefore describing it outright as an “upside-down national flag” could be misleading.
The Flag Code of India specifies the prescribed arrangement of the National Flag and lays down rules governing its display.
The sartorial detail came as Prime Minister Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, continuing his tradition of wearing distinctive traditional headgear for the national occasion. This year, he wore a red Bandhani-style turban along with a white kurta and brown sleeveless jacket.
While the Prime Minister's broader Independence Day message focused on the country's development and national priorities, it was the small detail in his jacket pocket that unexpectedly became one of the day's talking points.