JMI hosts UAE National Library delegation for manuscript exchange talks
Synopsis
A delegation from the UAE's National Library and Archives visited JMI's Dr. Zakir Husain Library in New Delhi, sparking talks on joint manuscript preservation and digitisation. With rare Quranic texts and archival collections on display, the exchange could open a formal India-UAE collaboration in heritage conservation.
Key Takeaways
A delegation from the National Library and Archives of the UAE visited Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi on 9 October 2026 .
Discussions focused on manuscript preservation, digitisation, and future institutional cooperation.
University Librarian Vikas S.
Nagrale showcased the library's rare manuscripts and ongoing digitisation efforts.
Rare Quranic manuscripts and other significant archival items were presented to the visiting delegates.
Former Ambassador Zakiur Rahman highlighted potential for deeper India-UAE academic and archival collaboration.
No formal agreement was announced; both sides are expected to explore structured cooperation frameworks.
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in New Delhi welcomed a delegation from the National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at its Dr. Zakir Husain Library on 9 October 2026, as part of a bilateral academic exchange programme. The visit centred on manuscript preservation, digitisation, and the scholarly use of archival resources, according to a university statement.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
The visit opened avenues for future institutional collaboration between JMI and the UAE's national archival body across the fields of manuscripts, archives, conservation, and digitisation. Saima Saeed, JMI Chief Public Relations Officer, said the interaction 'highlighted the possibilities for future cooperation between Jamia Millia Islamia and the National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates in the fields of manuscripts, archives, preservation, digitisation, and research.'
University Librarian Vikas S. Nagrale introduced the delegation to the library's holdings, with particular emphasis on its rare manuscripts and documents. He underscored the library's ongoing digitisation drive, describing it as aimed at 'protecting the valuable heritage resources for future generations and providing wider access to researchers and scholars.'
Rare Manuscripts and Heritage Collections on Display
A visual presentation and physical showcase of the library's archival and manuscript collections was arranged for the visiting delegates. Umaima, Assistant Archivist, briefed the group on preservation practices and presented select manuscripts, including rare Quranic manuscripts. The delegates were reported to have shown keen interest in the conservation and digitisation methods employed by the library.
The delegation also toured several sections of the Dr. Zakir Husain Library, including the Learning Centre for Differently Abled, the Text Book Section and Reading Hall, and the Reference and Periodical Section.
Diplomatic and Academic Context
Zakiur Rahman, Former Ambassador of India and former Director of JMI's India-Arab Cultural Centre, spoke about the potential for deeper academic and professional ties between JMI and UAE institutions. Rahman emphasised the importance of sharing expertise, technology, and best practices for manuscript preservation and scholarly access.
Notably, JMI's Dr. Zakir Husain Library holds one of the significant manuscript collections in Indian academia, making it a natural partner for archives-focused institutions from the Arab world. This visit builds on a broader pattern of India-UAE cultural and academic engagement that has gathered pace in recent years.
What Comes Next
While no formal agreement was announced, both sides are expected to explore structured collaboration frameworks in manuscript digitisation and archival research. The exchange signals growing institutional interest in leveraging shared heritage resources across borders.
Point of View
No digitisation timeline, no funding commitment. Yet the presence of the UAE's national archival body at JMI is not incidental: it reflects the wider deepening of India-UAE ties under which cultural and academic channels are being quietly activated alongside trade and investment ones. JMI's manuscript collection is an underutilised soft-power asset, and partnerships with well-resourced Gulf institutions could accelerate digitisation that domestic funding has been slow to deliver. The real test will be whether this exchange produces a formal collaboration framework or remains a goodwill visit on the calendar.
NationPress
9 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the UAE National Library delegation visit Jamia Millia Islamia?
The delegation visited JMI's Dr. Zakir Husain Library on 9 October 2026 as part of an academic exchange programme, to explore cooperation in manuscript preservation, digitisation, and archival research. Both sides discussed possibilities for future institutional collaboration in these fields.
What is the Dr. Zakir Husain Library known for?
The Dr. Zakir Husain Library at Jamia Millia Islamia is known for its significant collection of rare manuscripts and archival documents, including rare Quranic manuscripts. It has been undertaking ongoing preservation and digitisation efforts to protect these heritage resources for future generations.
Was any formal agreement signed during the visit?
No formal agreement or MoU was announced following the visit. The interaction is described as exploratory, with both sides expected to develop structured collaboration frameworks in manuscript digitisation and archival research going forward.
Who represented Jamia Millia Islamia during the delegation visit?
University Librarian Vikas S. Nagrale led the library's presentation, while former Ambassador Zakiur Rahman, also former Director of JMI's India-Arab Cultural Centre, spoke about bilateral academic collaboration prospects. Assistant Archivist Umaima briefed the delegates on manuscript holdings.
How does this visit fit into broader India-UAE relations?
The visit reflects a broader deepening of India-UAE ties that has extended into cultural and academic domains in recent years. Collaboration between Indian academic institutions and Gulf archival bodies has been increasing, with shared heritage resources in manuscripts and Islamic studies forming a natural common ground.
