RIYADH. A special symposium titled “Arabic Documents in Indian Archives” brought together experts from India and Saudi Arabia on July 29 in Riyadh. Co-hosted by the National Archives of India (NAI) and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), the event highlighted the deep historical ties between the two nations.
The symposium was part of a 2023 agreement signed during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to New Delhi, fostering archival collaboration. India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, and Darah’s Deputy Executive President, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Khuraif, led the event. NAI Deputy Directors N. Raju Singh and K.C. Jena also attended.
In his speech, Ambassador Khan emphasized how the partnership between NAI and Darah is shedding light on centuries-old connections preserved in rare Arabic manuscripts and literary works stored in Indian libraries and universities. “These documents offer a window into the rich history of the Arabian Peninsula and its close cultural links with India,” he said. He also noted the growing cultural exchanges between the two countries, boosted by a new tourism and cultural committee formed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2025.
Dr. Al-Khuraif echoed the sentiment, calling the symposium a step toward documenting Arab historical records in India and deepening mutual understanding of shared socio-cultural heritage.
NAI’s deputy directors, alongside Saudi scholars, presented fascinating insights into Arab-origin archival records preserved in India. The talks sparked lively discussions during an interactive Q&A session.
The event underscores the strengthening bond between India and Saudi Arabia, uniting their past and present through shared history and cultural cooperation.