The carrying of swords by Reviewing Officers is now optional. 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, according to IndiaTodayne.in. These changes 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, according to IndiaTodayne.in. A key change is the introduction of the closed-neck Bandi jacket as part of formal civil dress for officers, to be worn over a full-sleeved shirt with matching formal trousers and closed footwear, according to IndiaTodayne.in. The Army has removed the pouch belt from Mess Dress Nos. 5 and 6, and discontinued the use of colonial-era terminology such as 'Royal', according to IndiaTodayne.in. 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, according to The Hindu. Army Uniforms-2026 marks the latest chapter in a broader effort to align military identity with contemporary India, according to Times of India. The changes are part of a broader effort to align military traditions with contemporary Indian values, according to IndiaTodayne.in.