The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
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The book launch of Wings of Support: Nine Decades of Action by the Transport Fleet of the Indian Air Force, authored by Air Marshal Rajeev Sachdeva, was held at the Auditorium of the United Service Institution of India (USI) on 10 July 2026. The event was graced by Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, as the Chief Guest.
The programme commenced with a video showcasing the evolution of the Indian Air Force (IAF), featuring archival footage of operations, humanitarian missions, and wartime contributions. This was followed by a fireside conversation between the author and Mr. Sandeep Unnithan, Executive Editor, India Today. During the discussion, Mr. Unnithan explored the author's motivation for writing the book, his journey as an author, and the extensive research that culminated in over two and a half years of work. Air Marshal Sachdeva noted that this is the first comprehensive work dedicated to the IAF's Transport Fleet.
The conversation highlighted the indispensable role of the Transport Fleet in supporting military operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and nation-building. Describing the book as being 'Full of film scripts and micro-dramas', Mr. Unnithan remarked on its vivid and engaging storytelling. The author shared numerous operational anecdotes, including the evacuation of Indian nationals from Wuhan during the COVID-19 pandemic in Feb 2020, when IAF transport aircraft and personnel operated under exceptionally challenging conditions while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
Explaining the title Wings of Support, Air Marshal Sachdeva observed that the Transport Fleet has quietly enabled the success of countless military operations by sustaining forces in the most demanding environments. He cited the 1962 Sino-Indian War, during which transport aircraft airlifted and air-dropped food, ammunition, medical supplies, and other essential stores to troops deployed in remote Himalayan locations. He also recounted the crucial logistical effort during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, when the Transport Fleet moved weapons and military stores within 72 hours for the Battle of Asal Uttar, thereby reinforcing operational readiness.
The discussion evoked considerable nostalgia as the author reflected on memorable experiences from his service career. Particular emphasis was placed on the chapter dedicated to the IAF's 'Unsung Heroes', whose professionalism and dedication have often remained outside the public spotlight. Air Marshal Sachdeva narrated several inspiring stories from this chapter and acknowledged some of the air force veterans present in the audience. He concluded by observing that the Transport Fleet has played a unique role in connecting the nation, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, in both peace and war.
The event concluded with the formal launch of the book. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Air Marshal Rajeev Sachdeva and Mrs. Sachdeva, the Director General of USI, the Director, Centre for Publications and Library, the Officiating Director, Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulation (CS3), and other guests joined the author on stage for the ceremonial release of the book.