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Rabat – Morocco and India have taken a major step in consolidating their defense partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering multiple areas of military cooperation.
Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the Administration of National Defense, received Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh today in Rabat.
Singh was accompanied by a high-level delegation as part of an official working visit to Morocco.
A comprehensive defense agreement
The MoU, signed in the presence of General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and Commander of the Southern Zone, and General Mohamed Haramou, Commander of the Royal Gendarmerie, outlines cooperation in training, joint exercises, cybersecurity and cyber defense, defense industry, and military health.
It also establishes a mechanism for joint coordination and monitoring of agreed projects.
According to Morocco’s Administration of National Defense, the agreement seeks to foster mutual exchange of expertise while reinforcing shared capacities in strategic defense sectors.
A key part of the visit will be the inauguration of a Tata Advanced Systems plant in Berrechid, near Casablanca, which will produce a new generation of armored combat vehicles designed to transport troops safely in conflict zones.
During a press briefing, India’s Ambassador to Morocco, Sanjay Rana, stated that “the strategic partnership between India and Morocco grows as both nations aim to strengthen cooperation in defence, industry, and trade.”
Loudiyi welcomed India’s growing presence, saying, “We want you in Morocco, we will support you.”
Renewed bilateral momentum
During their meeting, Loudyi and Singh pointed to the historic ties between Morocco and India. They also noted the renewed momentum in relations since King Mohammed VI’s landmark visit to India in 2015 and his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The two ministers reaffirmed the priority of their governments to deepen defense cooperation, particularly in the field of defense industry. Regional and international security challenges were also on the agenda.
South-South cooperation dimension
The talks further emphasized Morocco’s role as a hub of stability and security in its region, actively promoting South-South cooperation and regional integration.
In this context, the two ministers agreed on the strategic importance of developing Morocco-India partnerships that also benefit African countries.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed their determination to build on the newly signed MoU to strengthen relations based on friendship, trust, and mutual respect.
The visit marks a new phase in Morocco-India defense ties, with both governments signaling their intent to turn the agreement into tangible initiatives in the years to come.
The visit will conclude tomorrow, September 23, as the Indian delegation wraps up its program in Morocco.
