Indian Army Introduces Reforms to Remove Colonial Practices, Embrace Indigenous Identity

The Army has introduced a series of reforms aimed at removing colonial-era practices and aligning its traditions more closely with India's identity and values.

The changes are part of the newly released Army Uniforms Pamphlet 2026, which updates dress regulations across the force and promotes greater use of indigenous symbols and traditions.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the Bandi jacket as part of formal civil dress for officers. The closed-neck jacket, worn with formal trousers and shoes, adds an Indian touch to official attire.

The Army has also done away with several colonial-era symbols and practices. The use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses has been discontinued, carrying a sword by Reviewing Officers is no longer mandatory, and old terms such as "Royal" have been removed from official usage.

According to the manual, these changes are intended to reflect India's evolving sovereign identity while preserving the Army's traditions and values.

The role of swords in ceremonies has also been reduced. Going forward, swords will be carried only by parade commanders, contingent commanders and selected personnel during major events such as Republic Day, Independence Day, Army Day parades and Guards of Honour. Reviewing Officers will no longer carry swords during parades.

The Army says the reforms are designed to strike a balance between modernisation and tradition by removing leftover colonial-era practices without affecting the institution's heritage.

Apart from ceremonial changes, the Army is introducing a new Battle Jacket as standard winter wear for all ranks. It will gradually replace the existing jersey-based winter uniform by June 2029.

The pamphlet also lays down strict guidelines on appearance and conduct while in uniform. It prohibits radical hairstyles, unauthorised beards, visible electronic gadgets, tattoos, body piercings and cosmetic make-up.

Personnel are also barred from wearing uniforms at political rallies, religious gatherings, protests, weddings, private parties and paid media appearances without permission.

The move is part of a wider effort by the Army to shed colonial-era legacies. Earlier this year, it renamed 246 roads, buildings and facilities across military establishments to honour Indian war heroes, gallantry award winners and distinguished military leaders.

Several prominent locations have already been renamed. In Delhi Cantonment, Mall Road is now Arun Khetrapal Marg, while Kirby Place has been renamed Kenuguruse Vihar. Similar changes have been made in Ambala, Mathura, Jaipur, Bareilly, Mhow, Dehradun and other military stations across the country.

The Army had also ended several British-era traditions in 2023, including the use of horse-drawn buggies at official functions, ceremonial pull-out events during retirements and pipe bands at dinners.

Officials say the initiative is aimed at ensuring that military spaces and traditions reflect India's own heroes, history and values while strengthening a distinctly Indian military identity.