India, June 14 -- 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...