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Why Army officers will no longer carry swords on parade Army Uniforms-2026 marks the latest chapter in a broader effort to align military identity with contemporary India.

Indian Army drops colonial-era symbols from uniform rules ... The Indian Army has introduced sweeping changes to its dress regulations, removing several colonial-era symbols and practices while incorporating indigenous elements such as the Bandi jacket into formal attire. The reforms are detailed in the newly issued Army Uniforms Pamphlet 2026, which standardises dress regulations across the force and seeks to align military traditions with India's evolving national identity. A key change is the introduction of the closed-neck Bandi jacket as part of formal civil dress for officers. The jacket will be worn over a full-sleeved shirt with matching formal trousers and closed footwear, marking the inclusion of a distinctly Indian element in official attire. The Army has also removed the pouch belt from Mess Dress Nos. 5 and 6, made the carrying of swords by Reviewing Officers optional and discontinued the use of colonial-era terminology such as "Royal". The manual states that the changes are part of a broader effort to align military traditions with contemporary Indian values while preserving the institution's heritage and professionalism. Another significant reform relates to ce…

Indian Army Ditches Colonial Dress Rules, Adds Bandi Jacket India News Updated Jun 14, 2026 Indian Army Drops Colonial Uniform Customs, Introduces Indigenous Bandi Jacket The Indian Army has issued a new Uniforms-2026 pamphlet removing colonial-era dress customs, including mandatory sword carriage and archaic terms like "Royal." It introduces the indigenous Bandi jacket as part of formal civil dress for officers. The reforms also phase in a new Battle Jacket for winter wear and tighten rules on personal appearance. The move aims to align military traditions with India's sovereign identity while preserving dignity and functionality. A ANI Jun 14, 2026 · 6 min read · 62 views Save Listen Copy Indian Army drops colonial-era dress customs; brings in Bandis, battlejackets under new uniform code New Delhi, June 14 The Indian Army has removed several colonial-era vestiges from its dress regulations, the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, and the use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses. It has also dropped the use of archaic terminology such as "Royal". The Army is introducing the indigenous Bandi jacket as part of civil formal dress in a broader eff…

Army drops colonial symbols, brings in Bandi jacket under uniform ... June 14, 2026 14:30 IST The Indian Army has removed several colonial-era vestiges from its dress regulations, the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, and the use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses. The Indian Army has dropped several colonial-era vestiges from its dress regulations, the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, and the use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses. It has also dropped the use of archaic terminology such as "Royal". The Army is introducing the indigenous Bandi jacket as part of civil formal dress in a broader effort to align military traditions with India's sovereign identity. The changes are elaborated in the newly issued Army Uniforms-2026 Pamphlet, which standardises dress regulations across the force while introducing what the Army describes as a deliberate move away from residual colonial-era symbols and terminology. The rationale behind the changes is explicitly outlined in a chapter titled "Indigenisation and Alignment with National Ethos." The manual states, "In keeping with the nation's sentiments and evolving sovereign identity, a nu…

Indian Army Drops Colonial-Era Dress Customs; Brings in Bandis ... Updated 14 June 2026 at 14:24 IST In various cantonments and military stations, the renaming of roads, facilities and colonies is being undertaken to honour Indian soldiers and commanders, including gallantry award recipients and eminent military personalities, officials said. As part of this process, several British-era road and locality names are being replaced with names that reflect Indian valour, sacrifice and leadership. Asian News International India News 6 min read Follow : Indian Army Drops Colonial-Era Dress Customs; Brings in Bandis, Battlejackets Under New Uniform Code | Image: X New Delhi: The Indian Army has removed several colonial-era vestiges from its dress regulations, the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, and the use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses. It has also dropped the use of archaic terminology such as "Royal". The Army is introducing the indigenous Bandi jacket as part of civil formal dress in a broader effort to align military traditions with India's sovereign identity. The changes are elaborated in the newly issued Army Uniforms-2026 Pamphlet, which …

New uniform of the Indian Army - Current Affairs - NEXT IAS In News Indian Army’s new combat uniform unveiled on 74th Army Day parade . Army Day Every year, 15 January is commemorated as “Army Day” to remember the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India About Uniforms are one of the most distinctive identifying features for any military force. The uniform not only differentiates civilians from military personnel, and between personnel of different militaries, it also engenders togetherness, conformity, and discipline among the personnel. Changes in the uniform Designed by Designed by a team of 12 people at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), the uniform was created through a consultative process with the Army, keeping in mind the “4Cs” — comfort, climate, camouflage, and confidentiality. The new uniform will have a mix of colours which include the Olive Green, Earthen shades , with digital patterns keeping in mind the different terrains and areas of deployment of the tr…

Indian Army drops colonial-era dress customs; brings in Bandis ... The Indian Army has removed several colonial-era vestiges from its dress regulations, the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, and the use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses. It has also dropped the use of archaic terminology such as "Royal." The Army is introducing the indigenous Bandi jacket as part of civil formal dress in a broader effort to align military traditions with India's sovereign identity. The changes are elaborated in the newly issued Army Uniforms-2026 Pamphlet, which standardises dress regulations across the force while introducing what the Army describes as a deliberate move away from residual colonial-era symbols and terminology. The rationale behind the changes is explicitly outlined in a chapter titled "Indigenisation and Alignment with National Ethos." The manual states, "In keeping with the nation's sentiments and evolving sovereign identity, a number of deliberate refinements have been incorporated in this edition of Army Uniforms Pamphlet." Among the changes is the introduction of a closed-neck coat, commonly known as a Bandi jacket, to be worn over a full-sleeved sh…

Indian Army drops colonial-era symbols from uniform rules ... The Indian Army has introduced sweeping changes to its dress regulations, removing several colonial-era symbols and practices while incorporating indigenous elements such as the Bandi jacket into formal attire. The reforms are detailed in the newly issued Army Uniforms Pamphlet 2026, which standardises dress regulations across the force and seeks to align military traditions with India's evolving national identity. A key change is the introduction of the closed-neck Bandi jacket as part of formal civil dress for officers. The jacket will be worn over a full-sleeved shirt with matching formal trousers and closed footwear, marking the inclusion of a distinctly Indian element in official attire. The Army has also removed the pouch belt from Mess Dress Nos. 5 and 6, made the carrying of swords by Reviewing Officers optional and discontinued the use of colonial-era terminology such as "Royal". The manual states that the changes are part of a broader effort to align military traditions with contemporary Indian values while preserving the institution's heritage and professionalism. Another significant reform relates to ce…

Indian Army Unveils New Dress Code After 8 Years, Phases Out Colonial ... By Kamakshi Bishnoi Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:38 AM (IST) Source: JND Related Articles The Indian Army has introduced major changes to its dress code, moving away from several colonial-era traditions. The reforms are part of the newly released 174-page Army Uniforms-2026 manual, the first comprehensive update in eight years. According to the manual, the changes have been made to reflect India's evolving national identity while preserving the Army's dignity, efficiency, and traditions. ALSO READ: Lucknow Railways News: THESE Trains To Operate Via Alamnagar-Transportnagar Till June 23; Check Full List Key Changes in the New Dress Code Bandi Jacket Introduced For the first time, officers are allowed to wear a closed-neck bandi jacket as part of formal attire. The jacket can be worn over a full-sleeved shirt, with or without a neck hook, and must be in a sober, solid colour paired with matching formal trousers and closed shoes. Ceremonial Pouch Belts Removed The Army has discontinued the use of pouch belts with Mess Dress No. 5 and No. 6, which are worn at formal state functions, banquets, and official receptions. How…

Bandi jacket in, colonial legacy out in Army uniform overhaul - Rediff June 14, 2026 14:30 IST The Indian Army has removed several colonial-era vestiges from its dress regulations, the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, and the use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses. The Indian Army has dropped several colonial-era vestiges from its dress regulations, the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, and the use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses. It has also dropped the use of archaic terminology such as "Royal". The Army is introducing the indigenous Bandi jacket as part of civil formal dress in a broader effort to align military traditions with India's sovereign identity. The changes are elaborated in the newly issued Army Uniforms-2026 Pamphlet, which standardises dress regulations across the force while introducing what the Army describes as a deliberate move away from residual colonial-era symbols and terminology. The rationale behind the changes is explicitly outlined in a chapter titled "Indigenisation and Alignment with National Ethos." The manual states, "In keeping with the nation's sentiments and evolving sovereign identity, a n…

Indian Army Drops Colonial-era Dress Customs, Brings in Bandis, Battle ... The Indian Army has unveiled sweeping changes to its dress regulations, removing several colonial-era symbols and practices as part of a broader push to align military traditions with India's national identity. Detailed in the newly issued Army Uniforms-2026 Pamphlet, the reforms include ending the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, discontinuing certain ceremonial accessories and archaic terminology, and introducing the indigenous Bandi jacket into formal dress codes. The manual, according to ANI, states, "In keeping with the nation's sentiments and evolving sovereign identity, a number of deliberate refinements have been incorporated in this edition of Army Uniforms Pamphlet." Among the changes is the introduction of a closed-neck coat, commonly known as a Bandi jacket, to be worn over a full-sleeved shirt with matching formal trousers and closed footwear, bringing an indigenous element as part of formal civil attire for officers. 'Bid to move away from colonial influences' According to the manual, these measures are part of a wider review of legacy practices. The Army said the measures r…

Indian Army drops colonial-era dress traditions, introduces bandi ... The Indian Army has revamped its dress regulations to shed colonial-era traditions, authorising closed-neck bandi jackets in formal settings, removing ceremonial pouch belts, and making it optional for reviewing officers to carry swords on parade. The changes are outlined in a newly issued 174-page manual titled “Army Uniforms-2026”, reviewed by the Hindustan Times. Officials aware of the matter stated on Saturday that such a manual was last issued eight years ago. “In keeping with the nation’s sentiments and evolving sovereign identity, a number of deliberate refinements have been incorporated. Collectively, these refinements represent a progressive review of residual colonial-era vestiges while preserving the dignity, functionality and enduring traditions of the Indian Army,” the document stated in a section titled “Indigenisation and Alignment with National Ethos.” As part of the overhaul, the army has introduced a new winter dress called 3B for all ranks. It consists of an angola shirt with a battle jacket and beret. Apart from uniforms, the regulations cover a wide range of appearance and grooming stand…

Indian Army introduces Bandi jackets, phases out Colonial-Era dress ... Indian Army introduces Bandi jackets, phases out Colonial-Era dress traditions Army has announced a new set of uniform for Indian Army personnel which introduces various changes in military dress By KalingaTV Bureau Last updated Jun 14, 2026 Share Advertisement New Delhi : Army has announced a new set of uniform for Indian Army personnel which introduces various changes in military dress. This step taken by Army has made significant modifications in the current tradition, replacing a few colonial practices with a more Indian outlook. In a move towards making the army uniform have a more Indian appearance, with keeping the military uniformity intact. The updated manual, termed Army Uniforms-2026, brings the formal dress code for Indian Army officers to have the ‘bandi’ jacket as a formal outfit, which was approved by the Army as a formal option with the already provided ones, is a new part of Army dress code, which is a traditional Indian sleevless jacket. Further with, the dress manual specifies a change in the Winter uniform of Army personnel. The new Winter dress specification has defined an angola shirt, ba…

Indian Army Uniforms 2026 Manual: From new winter dress to Bandi ... Getty Images File photo for representation The Indian Army has introduced a comprehensive new dress code manual, " Army Uniforms-2026 ," bringing significant changes to military attire, grooming standards, and ceremonial practices. As reported by The Hindustan Times, the updated 174-page document replaces the previous regulations issued eight years ago and forms part of the Army's broader effort to align traditions with modern Indian values while retaining its professional identity. The revised guidelines introduce a new winter uniform, authorize bandi jackets for formal occasions, relax certain ceremonial requirements, and lay down detailed rules on tattoos, grooming, cosmetics, and personal appearance. New Winter Uniform Introduced for All Ranks One of the key additions in the new regulations is Winter Dress No. 3B, which will be worn by personnel across ranks. The uniform consists of an angola shirt, a battle jacket, and a beret, providing a standardized winter outfit for Army personnel. Officers Can Now Wear Bandi Jackets at Formal Events For the first time, officers have been permitted to wear closed-neck ba…

Indian Army unveils new uniform policy, phases out colonial-era practices The new policy reflects the Army’s effort to align its dress regulations with contemporary Indian values while maintaining the service’s rich traditions and professional standards