Indian Army Updates Dress Regulations to Remove Colonial-Era Symbols and Legacies
The Indian Army has introduced the 2026 Uniforms Pamphlet, removing colonial-era terminology and symbols while incorporating indigenous attire like the Bandi jacket. These reforms, alongside the renaming of military facilities, aim to align institutional identity with India's contemporary national ethos and heritage.
Highlights
- •The Indian Army has released the Army Uniforms-2026 Pamphlet to remove residual colonial-era symbols and terminology.
- •The indigenous Bandi jacket is being introduced as part of formal civil attire for officers to align with national ethos.
- •Sword carriage for Reviewing Officers has been made optional, restricted only to specific major ceremonial events.
- •Over 240 military facilities and roads have been renamed to honor Indian war heroes and gallantry award recipients.
The Indian Army has officially implemented significant changes to its dress regulations, marking a decisive move to remove colonial-era vestiges and align its identity with a contemporary, sovereign Indian ethos. Detailed in the newly released Army Uniforms-2026 Pamphlet, these updates emphasize the importance of national identity while maintaining the dignity and functionality of military traditions.
Among the key modifications, the Indian Army has discontinued the use of archaic terminology such as "Royal" and restricted the mandatory carriage of swords by reviewing officers. These symbols, once embedded in military customs inherited from the colonial period, are being phased out in favor of practices that better reflect the nation's sentiments. As part of this transition, the indigenous Bandi jacket is being introduced as a standard element of formal civil attire for officers, signaling a shift toward more culturally aligned military clothing.
Modernizing Traditions and Uniforms
The updated regulations provide clear guidelines regarding personal appearance and conduct. To ensure a professional military bearing, the force has prohibited radical hairstyles, unauthorized beards, visible electronic gadgets, tattoos, body piercings, and cosmetic make-up while in uniform. Furthermore, officers are barred from wearing uniforms at political, religious, or protest gatherings, as well as at private functions or paid media appearances without formal authorization.
In addition to these symbolic and behavioral reforms, a practical change in winter gear is underway. The Indian Army is introducing a new Battle Jacket, which will serve as the standard winter outerwear for all ranks. This garment is set to gradually replace the current jersey-based uniform (Dress 3A) by June 2029, with a three-year transition period provided for full implementation.
The push to shed colonial legacies extends beyond uniforms. Earlier this year, the Indian Army undertook a comprehensive initiative to rename 246 roads, buildings, and military facilities. This exercise, which covered 124 roads and 77 colonies, replaced British-era names with those honoring Indian gallantry awardees, war heroes, and distinguished military leaders. Notable changes include renaming Kirby Place in Delhi Cantonment to Kenuguruse Vihar and Mall Road to Arun Khetrapal Marg.
These reforms follow earlier efforts, such as the 2023 decision to discontinue the use of horse-drawn buggies, ceremonial pull-outs, and pipe bands at dinners. By continually reviewing legacy practices, the force aims to ensure that its institutions and daily operations visibly reflect India's own history, values, and the sacrifices of its bravest heroes.
