India and Oman Foster Cooperation in Archives
India and Oman Foster Cooperation in Archives. In a significant move towards strengthening bilateral ties, India and Oman have agreed to collaborate in the field of archives. This collaboration aims to facilitate the exchange of historical documents and promote mutual understanding between the two nations. The visit of a delegation from the National Archives of India (NAI) to the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) of Oman marked a crucial step in this direction.
India and Oman Foster Cooperation in Archives
Exploring Bilateral Cooperation
- Led by Shri. Arun Singal, Director General of Archives.
- The delegation from NAI visited Oman on 21-22 February 2024 to explore areas of cooperation in the archival domain.
- The delegation received exclusive presentations from various divisions of NRAA, including Electronic Records and Document Management Systems, Microfilm Department, and Conservation Section.
Historical Ties and Gesture of Goodwill
- During bilateral discussions with Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al-Dhawyani, Chairman of NRAA, Shri Arun Singhal highlighted the historical ties between India and Oman.
- As a gesture of goodwill, he handed over a list of 70 select documents related to Oman available in NAI.
- These documents, dating from 1793 to 1953, cover a wide range of subjects, including significant historical events and treaties between the two countries.
Gifts of Historical Significance
- In addition to the document list, copies of important records and facsimile prints of historical treaties were also presented to NRAA.
- These included treaties between the British Indian Government and the Sultan of Muscat.
- Dating back to the 19th century, showcasing the deep-rooted historical connections between India and Oman.
Formalizing Cooperation
- Both NAI and NRAA emphasized the need to formalize institution-to-institution cooperation between India and Oman.
- To this end, a draft Executive Programme of Cooperation (EPC) was finalized during discussions.
- The EPC includes various activities such as joint exhibitions, exchange programs for experts, and collaborative publications based on curated archival materials.
Engagement with the Indian Diaspora
The delegation also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora living in Oman, many of whom possess rich private archives. Shri Arun Singhal encouraged them to preserve their archival wealth, offering technical assistance from NAI for conservation and digitization. This engagement highlights the shared history between India and Oman preserved within the Indian diaspora community.
In conclusion, the agreement between India and Oman to cooperate in the field of archives signifies a commitment to preserving and celebrating the shared heritage and historical ties between the two nations. Through collaborative efforts, both countries aim to enrich their archival collections and foster greater understanding and appreciation of their common history
