The Indian Navy is showcasing its rich maritime heritage at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, with a dedicated Naval History Division (NHD) pavilion featuring official histories and visual exhibits designed to educate visitors about the evolution, tradition, and operational excellence of India’s naval forces. The book fair, organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), runs from 10-18 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
A Platform for Maritime History
The World Book Fair is one of India’s largest literary events, and in 2026 it carries the central theme “Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75”, spotlighting the roles of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force since Independence.
Within this larger theme, the Indian Navy’s pavilion has been curated by the Naval History Division, the Navy’s premier research institution tasked with documenting and preserving its historical records and operational legacy.
What Is on Display
At the Navy Pavilion in Hall No. 5, visitors can explore:
- Seven volumes of the official history of the Indian Navy (1945–2021)
- Histories of key Indian naval ships, submarines, and air squadrons
- Publications on naval establishments and India’s maritime heritage
- Meticulously crafted scale ship models illustrating major vessels and classes
These exhibits offer a visual and narrative timeline of the Indian Navy’s growth from its early years post-Independence to its current blue-water capabilities.
Panel Discussions and Interactive Sessions
To deepen public engagement, the NHD is hosting panel discussions featuring naval veterans and defence experts:
- A session on the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War with insights from Commander (Retd) Vijai Prakash Kapil, Vir Chakra awardee, alongside noted defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan.
- Discussions on naval maritime expeditions and the role of the Navy in shaping a rule-based order in the Indian Ocean Region.
In addition, a new book on the Indian Navy, prepared by the NHD, is scheduled for official release by the Chief of the Naval Staff during the fair.
Why This Matters
The Indian Navy’s participation in the World Book Fair is more than an exhibit. It reflects an effort to:
- Preserve and communicate naval heritage in accessible formats
- Inspire youth to understand India’s maritime role in history and contemporary geopolitics
- Encourage informed appreciation of naval strategy, exploration, and service
By placing maritime history alongside global literature and cultural displays, the fair helps bridge the gap between military scholarship and general readership.
Closing Thoughts
The Indian Navy’s showcase at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 is a rare opportunity for the public to engage with authoritative accounts of naval development, traditions, and strategic milestones. Through publications, discussions, and visual models, visitors can trace how the Navy evolved from a coastal force to a modern blue-water maritime service playing a vital role in India’s defence and diplomatic outreach.