New Delhi: A documentary exhibition titled “Legacy of Indo-Oman Relations” was opened in New Delhi today. The three-day exhibition is jointly organised by the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) and the National Archives of India.

According to Oman News Agency, the exhibition showcases documents, photos, and maps covering different historical epochs. Besides reflecting the Oman-Indo cultural and civilizational treasures, the exhibits also highlight the two countries’ centuries-old diplomatic relations evidenced by many manuscripts, letters, and diplomatic telegrams that the two sides exchanged across the ages.

The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Arun Singhal, Director General of the National Archives of India. In a speech at the opening ceremony, Singhal said that the ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India evolved since ancient times. He stressed that the two countries, linked across the Arabian Sea for more than 5,000 years, have exchanged goods, services, i
deas, and shared common cultural and civilizational aspects. Singhal underscored the significance of the joint documents which shed light on the Omani-Indian maritime history, as well as the two countries’ commercial and cultural role in the region.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al Dhawyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority, Issa bin Saleh Al Shaibani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of India, ambassadors of Arab and foreign countries, government officials, intellectuals, businessmen, and academics.

The exhibition includes several main pavilions that reflect political developments from ancient to modern times. The exhibits include letters, maps, and artefacts documenting the history of the two countries in various fields. They also document the exchange of visits, diplomatic, and friendly relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India.

Archaeological evidence from sites like Ras Al Hadd in eastern Oman indicate trad
e links with the Indus Valley Civilization (about 2500 BC). The relics show that Indian traders bartered spices, textiles, and precious stones for Omani frankincense, dates, and copper. The products gained great significance in the ancient world.