India and Oman Forge Archival Cooperation, Handover of Historic Documents

New Delhi, February 23, 2024: In a move towards nurturing bilateral relations, India and Oman have embarked on a collaborative effort in the field of archives. During a recent visit by a delegation from the National Archives of India (NAI) to the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) of Oman, led by Arun Singhal, Director General of Archives, both parties explored avenues of cooperation in archival management.

Key Highlights:

• The visit, headed by Arun Singhal, aimed at strengthening ties and sharing expertise in archival preservation and management.
• The delegation from NAI was provided exclusive presentations by various divisions of NRAA, including Electronic Records and Document Management Systems, Microfilm Department, and Access to Record Department.
• During bilateral discussions with Dr Hamad Mohammed Al-Dhawyani, Chairman of NRAA, Arun Singhal highlighted the rich historical ties between India and Oman.
• As a gesture of goodwill, Singhal handed over a list of 70 select documents from the NAI about Oman's history, covering significant events from 1793 to 1953.
• Among the handed-over documents were records detailing the change of the Omani Flag, a succession of rulers, official visits, and treaties signed between India and Oman.
• Additionally, facsimile prints of three crucial treaties dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries were gifted to NRAA, further enriching the archival collection.
• Both parties emphasized the need for formalizing institutional cooperation, culminating in the drafting of an Executive Programme of Cooperation (EPC) for approval by competent authorities.
• This collaborative effort signifies a shared commitment to preserving and promoting historical records, strengthening the bond between India and Oman through archival exchange and cooperation.

Proposed Activities in Archival Cooperation Agreement

As part of the Executive Programme of Cooperation (EPC), several activities have been agreed upon to enhance collaboration between the National Archives of India (NAI) and the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) of Oman. These activities aim to deepen mutual understanding and promote historical relations between the two nations. Key initiatives include:

Joint Exhibition and Conference

Plans are underway to organize a joint exhibition featuring curated archival materials from both archives. This exhibition will be accompanied by a conference highlighting the historical ties between India and Oman, providing insights into their shared heritage.

Document Exchange

Both institutions have agreed to exchange digital copies of documents of mutual interest. This exchange will enrich the collections of both archives, offering researchers and historians access to a broader range of historical materials.

Expert Exchange Programme

A framework will be established to facilitate an exchange program involving experts in digitization and preservation. This program will allow professionals from both institutions to share knowledge and best practices, contributing to the advancement of archival techniques and methodologies.

Joint Publication

A collaborative effort will be made to produce a joint publication based on curated archival materials from both archives. This publication will serve as a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and the general public, shedding light on various aspects of the historical relationship between India and Oman.

In addition to these activities, the delegation from NAI also engaged with representatives of the Indian diaspora residing in Oman. Many members of the Indian diaspora possess rich private archives, which serve as authentic sources of shared history between India and Oman. The Director General of NAI encouraged these individuals to take care of the physical preservation of their archival wealth and offered technical assistance from NAI in conservation and digitization efforts. By preserving these valuable documents, the shared heritage between India and Oman can be safeguarded for future generations.