INDEPEX '97 World Philatelic Exhibition  is being organised by the Department of Post, Government of India, in co-operation with the Philatelic Congress of India and with the patronage of Federation International de Philatelic (FIP). It is being hosted at New Delhi from 15th December to 22nd December, 1997.

The Exhibition coincides with 50 years of India's Independence. This Exhibition is a tribute India Post pays to the nation on the occasion of Golden Jubilee of its Independence. Hence the Exhibition  is named INDEPEX-97.

The first international philatelic exhibition was organised in India in a small way in 1954, as a part of the centenary celebrations of the Indian Postage Stamp. Since then India has held two more international  philatelic  exhibitions, INDEPEX  73,  INDIA 80. India had also had the privilege of organising a World Philatelic Exhibition, INDIA 89, which was held at New Delhi from 20th January to 29th January 1989. INDEPEX-97 is thus the fifth in the series of such exhibitions and yet unique in that it commemorates fifty years of the country's independence.

For the Department of Post and the Philatelic Congress of India, the common objective in organising INDEPEX '97 is to promote and disseminate information about the fascinating hobby of philately. It will give an opportunity to the philatelic community to display their collections to a discerning international audience.

The Department of Post is proud to release a special stamp on the logo of INDEPEX-97 at ISTANBUL-96-World Philatelic Exhibition, to herald the announcement  of the prestigious Exhibition.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India