MoS Jitin Prasada Co-Chairs 7th India-Morocco Joint Commission to Strengthen Trade, Food Safety, and Cultural Ties
Distilled Policy Brief
- The countries welcomed an MoU between Morocco's National Food Safety Office (ONSSA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for food safety cooperation, and signed a Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026-2030.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
The proposed India-Morocco Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and the MoU between FSSAI and Morocco's National Food Safety Office (ONSSA).
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze the strategic and economic significance of India's strengthening bilateral ties with Morocco, particularly in sectors like agriculture, food security, and trade diversification.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the bilateral relations between India and Morocco, consider the following statements: 1. Both countries have agreed to explore the prospects of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) through a Joint Working Group. 2. A Cultural Exchange Programme was signed between the two nations for the period 2026–2030. 3. An MoU for food safety cooperation was welcomed between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Morocco's National Food Safety Office (ONSSA). Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
All three statements are correct. During the 7th India-Morocco Joint Commission meeting, both nations agreed to explore the prospects of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) through a Joint Working Group. They also signed a Cultural Exchange Programme for the years 2026–2030 and welcomed an MoU for food safety cooperation between India's FSSAI and Morocco's ONSSA.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.