Morocco and India have signed an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the extradition of “fugitive offenders.”
Rabat – Indian Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Moroccan Minister of Justice Mohamed Aujjar signed the agreement on Monday, November 12, in New Delhi.
The purpose of the agreement is to “strengthen bilateral cooperation with Morocco and enhance effectiveness and provide a broad legal framework for prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes; as well as in tracing, restraint and confiscation of funds meant to finance terrorist acts,” a statement by the Indian home affairs ministry said.
Aujjar is making a VIP visit to India on November 11-18.
The agreement will also provide a legal base for extraditing fugitive offenders “who are accused of economic offences, terrorism and other serious offences”, according to Indian Ianslive news outlet.
As part of the agreement, both parties will cooperate in serving summons, judicial documents, and letters of request, and in executing judgments, decrees, and arbitral awards.
Both ministers reiterated their firmness to jointly counter the threats of organized crime and terrorism.
The Indian Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the signing of the extradition agreement between Morocco and India on Thursday, November 8.
India and Morocco enjoy friendly bilateral relations. This year, both countries signed many agreements and MoUs on different sectors including air service, tourism, social programs, mining and geology, and information technology.
