I have a question about the field gear of the Indian army around the 1960's.  Obviously I am interested in collecting whatever I can get to properly accessorize my 2A1.  So far, my research has yielded exactly nothing. I can't find a thing on what the average Indian infantryman would have worn during the Cold War era.  Am I to assume it's Brit gear circa '50s vintage or even WWII surplus?  Anybody have any ideas about post independence equipment?

And also, I know the 2a1's were used also by the Indian police, any information on uniforms and equipment of that group around the same time frame?  I know for certain my rifle came from a Police armory, what it was before I have no idea.  Perhaps I can go with Indian Police gear, if not Army.

Right now I am having fun doing the research, but I keep coming up on dead ends.  The Indians are very tight lipped about both their armed services. 

to say "both their armed services and police" but it didn't come out that way, and once you hit "post" there is no taking it back (at least from what I can see).   I will now fall upon my sword.....

Thanks for the photo, now I understand.  I've seen those for sale in a number of places.  I assume they would be on a pattern 58 belt with the usual braces and other kit?  Any ideas as to what specific units of the Indian military would have issued the 2a1?  

From what I can see in photos, the Mumbai Police used a basic khaki uniform with blue lanyard whistle thing over the left shoulder, beret sort of cap, and brown loafer shoes with a leather pistol belt. What I don't understand, and can't see in any photos, is how they carry the ammo for the 2A1?  Do they just put in in their pocket? Or don't they get issued very much to begin with?

I know this topic is a little skewed from the pure Enfield arena, but to me it's all a part of the history, and that's what makes it interesting.  Typos and all. 

i did some research on the indian rifles i bought all so long ago but most of it was the colonial period far before the 2A & 2A1 rifles but i did enough research on those two prior to buying them to know i bought what i really wanted  , i recently lost all the 'favorites' i had  , i feel bad not to be able to offer much in a source , 

the rifle was and is the most modern 308 nato bolt action enfield of indian origin , its a great rifle , and its what i consider [only my personal thought here ] a bridge rifle , to the SLR 

*Subject to being faulty

The best information I can find is from the  Mumbai Police.  They were still in issue as of 2010, which is the last date of information I have, but I'm not 100% confident of my sources.  In photos I found IPS officers with Ishapores standing next to vehicles from the late 90's or early 2000s, so it is not inconceivable they still have them today.  I can't find any information about when they were first issued to the Police, and what the total numbers were. 

Perhaps it would be interesting to collect the police kit instead of the military.  Or would I be mistaken for a real Indian cop when I go to the gun range???