New Delhi, November 1, 2026: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani attended the fourth edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) 2026 in New Delhi, an event organised by the United Service Institution of India (USI) and focused on India’s military legacy and present-day security concerns.
The gathering brought together senior military leaders, veterans, strategic experts and distinguished dignitaries. It created a setting for discussion on the country’s military history, traditions and the way those experiences connect with modern warfare, defence preparedness and national security policymaking.
Among those present was Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), Governor of Bihar, along with several personalities from the defence and strategic communities. Their participation reflected the continued emphasis on preserving India’s military heritage while engaging with emerging security challenges and strategic cooperation.
Focus on heritage and strategic dialogue
The festival also highlighted military diplomacy and strategic engagement in an increasingly complex global security environment. Participants discussed the need to recognise the sacrifices of India’s armed forces, sustain military traditions and build greater awareness of the nation’s defence heritage among younger generations.
Organised by the United Service Institution of India, which is described as one of the country’s leading institutions dedicated to defence studies and strategic research, the festival aims to encourage interaction among military professionals, historians, policymakers and the public.
General NS Raja Subramani’s presence at IMHF 2026 underlined the importance attached to linking India’s military past with its future defence vision. The event reinforced the role of military history, institutional traditions and strategic dialogue in shaping a stronger and more secure India.
