New Delhi, June 14 -- In a move to shed yet another colonial relic, the Indian Army has discontinued the use of ceremonial pouch belts in several dress categories and made it optional for reviewing officers to carry swords during parades.

The changes, detailed in a new 174-page manual, Army Uniforms-2026, issued eight years after the previous edition and accessed by the Hindustan Times - authorise the use of closed-neck bandi jackets in formal settings. The Army has also introduced a new winter uniform, known as Dress 3B, for personnel of all ranks. The outfit comprises an angola shirt, battle jacket and beret.

"In keeping with the nation's sentiments and evolving sovereign identity, a number of deliberate refinements have been incorpor...