The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated 19 November, 2025, has been entered into between the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Kolkata, and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. MAKAIAS is a Central Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Culture, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and fully funded by the Ministry. The Institute functions through its Society, Executive Council, and Finance Committee as its principal decision-making bodies.

The MoU outlines the mandate, objectives, and activities of MAKAIAS in alignment with the directives of the Ministry of Culture. The Institute’s mandate includes administration and management of its assets and liabilities, modernization of galleries, development of visitor facilities, educational and outreach activities, acquisition and preservation of antiquities, digitization initiatives, and promotion of research in museum development.

The major objectives of MAKAIAS include promoting research on social, cultural, economic, political, and administrative developments in Asia with special reference to India; undertaking activities related to the life and works of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad; publishing scholarly works; and maintaining a library and Personalia Museum. The MoU further recognizes and emphasizes the ongoing flagship projects of the Institute, such as “Ramayana Diplomacy”, “Gautam Buddha: A Unifying Force in Asia”, and “Brihattar Bharat (Greater India)”, which align with India’s cultural diplomacy and Act East Policy objectives. The purpose of the MoU is to ensure optimal utilization of available funds and to facilitate the efficient and effective functioning of MAKAIAS in achieving its institutional goals.