India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Morocco on 22-23 September for talks aimed at deepening defence and trade ties, and to launch a new armoured vehicle factory.
Singh will meet Morocco’s Minister Delegate for Defence, Abdellatif Loudiyi, for discussions on training, technology sharing and future defence projects. He will also hold talks with Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour on boosting industrial cooperation.
A key moment of the visit will be the opening of a new plant in Berrechid, near Casablanca, run by Tata Advanced Systems. The facility will produce a new type of armoured combat vehicle designed to carry troops safely in conflict zones.
The Ambassador of India in Morocco, Sanjay Rana, said during a press briefing that “the strategic partnership between India and Morocco grows as both nations aim to strengthen cooperation in defence, industry, and trade.”
Morocco’s defence minister Abdellatif Loudiyi also welcomed India’s growing presence. “We want you in Morocco, we will support you,” he said.
The two sides are expected to review progress made in joint projects and set out new areas of cooperation. Talks will also cover sharing technology, training soldiers, and building defence equipment together.
Indian defence presence in Morocco
Indian defence firms are already active in Morocco. Kanpur-based MKU has supplied the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces with tools such as night-vision glasses that let troops see in the dark, scopes to help them aim more accurately, and surveillance gear for monitoring the battlefield.
The company has worked closely with Moroccan forces over the past four years.
Last year, Morocco signed a deal with India’s Tata Group to buy new military trucks. Another agreement paved the way for Tata Advanced Systems to jointly produce the WhAP 8×8 combat vehicle in Morocco.
Strategic timing
Observers say the visit comes at a time when India is keen to strengthen its role in Africa, presenting itself as a partner in training and defence industry development. The nation is offering what it calls “an alternative model of capacity-building through partnerships.”
Sanjay Rana said the trip will “consolidate longstanding bonds of friendship anchored in mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity.”
