New Delhi. 12 January 2026. The Indian Navy is participating in the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, a flagship cultural event celebrating literature, knowledge, and heritage.
The 9-day mega fair being organised by National Book Trust, an autonomous organisation of the Government of India under the Ministry of Education, was inaugurated by the Minister of Education,Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Indian Navy’s participation reaffirms its commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich maritime legacy. The Naval History Division (NHD), the premier research institution of the Indian Navy, is spearheading this initiative. In collaboration with NBT, NHD has set up dedicated Indian Navy stalls featuring authoritative publications of the Indian Navy along with meticulously crafted scale ship models, offering visitors a vivid insight into the evolution, traditions and operational excellence of the Navy.
At the Navy Pavilion in Hall No. 5, seven volumes of the official history of the Indian Navy (1945–2021) are on display, along with histories of various Indian Naval ships, submarines, air squadrons and establishments, as well as books on India’s maritime history, to enhance visitors’ understanding of the nation’s rich maritime and naval heritage.
These displays present a compelling narrative of India’s maritime journey, blending scholarship with visual appeal.
As part of its academic outreach, NHD conducted a panel discussion on 10 Jan 2026 focusing on the 1971 War, moderated by Cdr Neeraj Vashisth. The panel featured Cdr Vijai Prakash Kapil, VrC, NM (Retd), and noted defence journalist Mr Sandeep Unnithan, providing deep perspectives on a defining chapter of India’s naval history.
A panel discussion on ‘Naval Maritime Expeditions: Past and Present’ is scheduled on 11 Jan 2026 from 6:00 PM onwards at the theme pavilion in Hall 5. The session will be moderated by Cdr Kalesh Mohanan; empanelled by Capt Prashant C Menon; and Cdr Neeraj Vashisth. Another significant panel discussion titled ‘Creating Rule based Order: The role of Indian Navy’ is scheduled on 14 Jan 2026, moderated by Associate Professor Abhimanyu Singh Arha, where Lt Cdr Anupama Thapliyal and Lt Jeevitesh Saharan will be giving insights to the topic, highlighting the Navy’s critical role in the Indian Ocean Region.
A major highlight of the Book Fair will be the release of a book on the Indian Navy, prepared by the Naval History Division, to be unveiled by the Chief of the Naval Staff at a grand event.
Beyond exhibitions and discussions, NHD is actively engaging with young visitors, inspiring boys and girls to consider a career in the Indian Navy. The naval publications and stalls have already attracted significant public interest.
The Indian Navy invites all visitors to the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 to learn more about its proud service and India’s enduring maritime heritage.
