Indian Army Drops Colonial Symbols in Uniform Overhaul, June 16

The Indian Army released the Army Uniforms-2026 manual on June 15, a 174-page overhaul of military dress regulations and ceremonial practices. The reforms remove colonial-era symbols and terminology while introducing traditional Indian attire like the Bandi jacket. This is the first comprehensive revision in eight years and reflects India’s effort to align military customs with its national identity.

What Changed in the New Manual

The Army introduced the traditional Bandi jacket as formal civilian attire for officers during specified occasions. Officers wear it over a full-sleeved shirt with matching trousers and closed footwear in sober colours. The manual also replaces the jersey-based winter uniform with a new Battle Jacket, phased in by June 2029 across all ranks. Archaic terminology such as ‘Royal’ has been removed from dress descriptions and military traditions.

Ceremonial Practices Simplified

Reviewing Officers no longer carry ceremonial swords on parade. Swords are now optional and carried only by designated personnel during major ceremonial events. The Army removed pouch belts from Mess Dress numbers 5 and 6. The ceremonial sword presentation tradition at commissioning ceremonies is being discontinued. These changes preserve military dignity while reducing reliance on colonial-era customs.

Broader Decolonisation Effort

The uniform reforms follow a wider initiative earlier this year in which the Army renamed 246 roads, buildings and facilities across military establishments to honour Indian war heroes and gallantry award recipients. Fort William in Kolkata became Vijay Durg, and Delhi Cantonment’s Mall Road became Arun Khetrapal Marg. The Army said these changes reflect a conscious effort to move away from residual colonial practices while preserving institutional traditions and functionality.

Grooming and Conduct Standards

The manual includes strict guidelines on personal appearance and conduct while in uniform. The Army prohibits unauthorised beards, radical hairstyles, visible electronic gadgets, tattoos, body piercings and political or religious activities. Women officers now have flexibility to wear sober-coloured sarees, kurta-salwar, or ankle-length straight pants with a dupatta during formal occasions. The Adjutant General framed the changes as a step towards aligning dress rules with a contemporary Indian ethos.

Final Thoughts

The Army Uniforms-2026 manual marks India’s shift toward decolonising military institutions. Investors and citizens should note this reflects broader government efforts to replace colonial symbols across state institutions with indigenous alternatives.

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