Indian Media: Decolonizing Colors, Indian Army Issues New Dress Code

[Global Times Special Correspondent in India, Bai Yufei] According to a report by The Hindu on the 14th, the Indian Army recently issued new dress regulations, allowing male officers to wear the traditional Indian Bandhgala jacket at formal occasions, abolishing the British-style officer's ceremonial belt, and permitting reviewing officers to choose whether to carry a sword during parades. Indian media pointed out that this move by the Army aims to erase the colonial legacy of British India and strengthen national identity.

Indian media outlets such as the Hindustan Times reported that a new 174-page manual titled "Army Uniform - 2026" details the changes in military dress, with the last such manual issued by the Indian Army being eight years ago. One chapter of the manual is themed "Localization and Alignment with National Spirit," stating: "In order to align with national sentiments and the evolving recognition of national sovereignty, we have made a series of thoughtful improvements. These improvements generally represent a gradual examination of the issues left over from the colonial era while maintaining the dignity, functionality, and long-standing traditions of the Indian Army."

According to the new regulations, the Indian Army has gained more "Indian clothing freedom" in formal dress. In addition to the Bandhgala jacket, they can also choose traditional Indian Bandhgala suits and casual suit sets. Female officers are allowed to wear plain sarees, as well as Kurta-Salwar suits, Dupatta shawls, and other traditional Indian attire. Additionally, certain ceremonial uniforms in the Indian Army have removed terms like "Royal" during the command phase. Notably, the new regulations require the military to refrain from wearing British-style officer's ceremonial belts during state or diplomatic events at the Prime Minister's Office, the residence of the Chief of the Armed Forces, and the residence of the Army Commander.

It is reported that the British-style officer's ceremonial belt, such as the Sam Browne belt, was invented by a British Indian Army officer named Sam Browne in the 19th century. He created this belt during the suppression of the Indian Rebellion of 1858 after losing his left arm to a sword, to facilitate carrying equipment. Due to its practicality, the Sam Browne belt later became an iconic piece of equipment for Commonwealth officers' uniforms, and thus is also quite common in the uniforms of the Indian Army and police forces.     

The new regulations also clarify the requirements for the appearance of Indian military personnel. Tattoos and "body piercings" are prohibited, and except for wearing a "sacred thread" on the wrist during religious ceremonies, no one is allowed to wear any bracelets while in uniform. Male facial hair must not exceed 12 centimeters, and the use of deodorants and perfumes is prohibited while performing official duties in uniform. Women are prohibited from wearing lipstick, colored nail polish, head ornaments, and nose rings, and the marriage vermilion on the forehead must not be visible when wearing military hats. The Hindu reported that "the new regulations reflect the Indian Army's efforts to align its dress code with contemporary Indian values while maintaining its long history and professional standards."