Indian Navy Highlights Maritime Legacy at New Delhi World Book Fair

The Indian Navy is showcasing India’s rich maritime heritage at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, reaffirming its commitment to preserving and promoting the nation’s naval history and traditions.

The nine-day mega fair, organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) under the Ministry of Education, was inaugurated by Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan. The Indian Navy’s participation is being led by its Naval History Division (NHD), the premier research institution of the Navy, in collaboration with NBT.

At the Indian Navy Pavilion in Hall No. 5, visitors can explore authoritative publications of the Indian Navy, including seven volumes of the official history of the Indian Navy (1945–2021). The pavilion also features books on Indian naval ships, submarines, air squadrons, establishments and India’s broader maritime history, along with intricately crafted scale ship models that vividly depict the evolution and operational excellence of the Navy.

As part of its academic and public outreach, the Naval History Division has organised a series of panel discussions during the fair. A discussion on the 1971 War was held on January 10, moderated by Cdr Neeraj Vashisth, with Cdr Vijai Prakash Kapil, VrC, NM (Retd), and defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan as panellists. Another panel on ‘Naval Maritime Expeditions: Past and Present’ is scheduled for January 11 at the theme pavilion in Hall 5, while a session titled ‘Creating Rule-based Order: The Role of Indian Navy’ will be held on January 14, highlighting the Navy’s role in the Indian Ocean Region.

A key highlight of the Book Fair will be the release of a book on the Indian Navy, prepared by the Naval History Division, which will be unveiled by the Chief of the Naval Staff at a special event.

In addition to exhibitions and discussions, the Navy pavilion is actively engaging with young visitors, encouraging them to explore career opportunities in the Indian Navy. The exhibits and publications have already drawn considerable public interest.

The Indian Navy has invited visitors to the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 to visit its pavilion and learn more about India’s enduring maritime legacy and proud naval service.