Marrakech – Neena Malhotra, India’s Secretary for South Affairs, concluded strategic discussions with Morocco’s OCP Group and senior government officials during her four-day visit to Rabat from November 18-21.
The Indian diplomat met with Mostafa Terrab, Chairman and CEO of OCP Group, to discuss strengthening long-term fertilizer and phosphate supply arrangements.
Both sides explored potential joint ventures in the fertilizer supply chain and cooperation in sustainable agriculture and soil health initiatives.
Malhotra also held extensive trade discussions with Omar Hjira, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade. The talks covered deepening bilateral trade exchanges and exploring opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, IT services, textiles, and agro-processing sectors.
Both countries agreed to encourage business delegation exchanges to explore emerging commercial opportunities.
Energy cooperation featured prominently during meetings with Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development. The discussions focused on renewable energy collaboration, including through India’s International Solar Alliance membership.
Both sides identified complementarities in their energy-transition strategies and agreed to enhance collaboration in sustainable mining value chains and capacity-building programs.
Malhotra invited Benali to attend India Energy Week in Goa during January 2026. The energy minister accepted the invitation to explore further partnership opportunities.
Cultural and youth cooperation was discussed with Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication. The two sides planned joint events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations during 2026-27, including cultural festivals, youth exchanges, academic collaborations, and reciprocal cultural weeks.
Bensaid noted Morocco’s growing gaming and digital creative industries, inviting Indian companies to explore investment opportunities. The minister pointed to the potential for cooperation in youth initiatives and creative economy sectors.
Upcoming 70th anniversary will inspire new joint projects
The Secretary held comprehensive political discussions with Fouad Yazourh, Director General for International Political Affairs. Their talks covered bilateral relations, economic partnerships, defense cooperation, cultural ties, development partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges between foreign ministries and scheduled the next Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi. The meeting included Omar Kadiri, Director, Nezha Riki, Head of Asia Division, and Sanjay Rana, India’s Ambassador to Morocco.
India and Morocco currently have more than 40 bilateral agreements in force. Their partnership gained momentum following King Mohammed VI’s 2015 visit to India, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The visit successfully reinforced the partnership between both countries based on shared values and mutual respect. Both sides committed to maintaining regular high-level contacts and expanding cooperation across trade, technology, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
The year 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Morocco. Both countries plan to commemorate this milestone through a comprehensive program of events and exchanges.
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