India and Morocco have renewed their commitment to deepen economic and commercial cooperation, with Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics & Information Technology Jitin Prasada concluding a two-day official visit to Morocco on August 25.
During the August 24–25 visit, Prasada co-chaired the seventh session of the India–Morocco Joint Commission with Omar Hejira, Morocco’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, improving market access, encouraging investment and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
India and Morocco Target Higher Bilateral Trade
Bilateral trade between India and Morocco reached nearly $4 billion in 2025, highlighting the growing economic relationship. At the Joint Commission meeting, both sides agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.
The two countries identified several sectors with potential for expanded commercial engagement, including fertilisers and chemicals, minerals, machinery, electrical equipment, automobiles and components, construction materials, polymers, agricultural and food products, tea, metals and tourism.
India and Morocco also agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to examine opportunities for expanding trade and assess the feasibility of a preferential trade agreement. The group will study tariff and non-tariff barriers and explore measures to improve market access and facilitate trade in goods and services.
Focus on Pharmaceuticals and Agriculture
Market access for pharmaceutical products emerged as another important area of discussion. Both sides agreed to work together on regulatory challenges, including market authorisation procedures and approval timelines, with the aim of making pharmaceutical trade more predictable.
Agricultural cooperation is also set to expand, with both countries agreeing to strengthen collaboration in sustainable agriculture, food security, food safety, agricultural research, digital agriculture, biotechnology and agricultural value chains.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Morocco’s National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) and India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was welcomed during the meeting. The agreement will promote the exchange of technical knowledge, information and best practices while supporting safe and sustainable trade.
Investment Opportunities Highlighted
At the Morocco–India Business Forum in Casablanca, Prasada outlined opportunities for closer investment and industrial partnerships. Key areas included automobiles, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, start-ups, fintech, finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers and chemicals.
He encouraged Moroccan companies to explore investment opportunities in India and develop joint ventures, particularly in emerging areas such as electric vehicle components, renewable energy, energy storage, artificial intelligence and digital health.
A high-level Indian business delegation led by the Confederation of Indian Industry also held discussions with Moroccan business organisations, including the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra.
Fertiliser Partnership Remains Strategic
During the visit, Prasada toured India-Maroc Phosphore (IMACID), a joint venture involving Morocco’s OCP Group and Indian partners. The visit highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the two countries in phosphates and fertilisers.
The partnership, which also includes OCP collaborations with Paradeep Phosphates Limited and IMACID, remains strategically important for India’s fertiliser supply chain. OCP representatives reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the requirements of India’s agricultural sector.
Cultural and Digital Cooperation
The two countries also signed a Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026–2030, covering areas such as artist exchanges, festivals, exhibitions, heritage conservation and cooperation among museums, libraries and archives.
Prasada separately met senior Moroccan ministers responsible for industry, trade, investment and digital transition. Discussions included opportunities for cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
The two sides also agreed to hold the eighth session of the India–Morocco Joint Commission in New Delhi on a mutually agreed date.
With stronger institutional mechanisms, expanding business engagement and cooperation across strategic sectors, the visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to the India–Morocco economic partnership.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
