Rabat – India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extended on Sunday his “warm greetings” to King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people on the occasion of Eid Al Adha 2022.
In a message to King Mohammed VI, the Indian PM emphasized the two countries’ bonds of fraternity and solidarity, while expressing hope to develop peace in the societies of all humanity.
“Over 200 million Muslim Indians celebrated the universal message of love, piety, sacrifice, and forgiveness through the Eid Al Adha celebration,” a press release from the Indian Embassy in Rabat quoted PM Modi as saying.
Relations between India and Morocco date back to the 14th century when the famous traveler and writer from Tangier, Ibn Batuta, traveled to India.
India was also among the list of countries who recognized Morocco on June 20, 1956 after the North African kingdom gained its independence from France.
The two countries officially established their diplomatic relations a year later and have since enjoyed cordial ties and strengthened cooperation in several fields of common interest.
After ascending to the throne, King Mohammed VI chose India for his first visit to an Asian country in 2001.
Read Also: Morocco-India Relations: From Ibn Battuta To The 21st Century
In October 2015, Morocco-India ties were further intensified after a meeting between the monarch and the Indian PM on the sidelines of the third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III) in New Delhi.
As part of their professed determination to advance development and cooperation, the two countries have signed more than 35 Memorandums of understanding and agreements in several areas, including counter-terrorism, cyber security, space, agriculture, and education.
India-Morocco ties have further solidified in recent years, with the Asian country becoming one of the major markets for Moroccan phosphate exports.
The kingdom also imports various products from India, including spices and various types of equipment. In 2018, trade between the two countries reached an all-time high, surpassing $1.5 billion.
