Casablanca – The Embassy of India in Rabat marked India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday, with a ceremony attended by members of the Indian community and guests in Morocco.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Sanjay Rana said India’s independence anniversary was also an opportunity to renew the country’s commitment to its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, when it will mark 100 years of independence.
Rana referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address in New Delhi, saying the government is working toward progress across industries including manufacturing, agriculture, green technology, the blue economy and innovation. He said India aims to become a hub for producing goods for international markets.
The ambassador also spoke about Morocco-India relations, describing the two countries’ friendship as “very old” and “strong.” He said the relationship has developed into a strategic partnership benefiting both sides.
Indian investment in Morocco is growing in several sectors, Rana said, including pharmaceuticals, defense vehicle production, recycling, and copper and aluminum production. He added that Indian companies are also interested in renewable energy and industrial production in Morocco.
The partnership has continued to expand in recent years. Morocco and India elevated their ties to a strategic partnership during King Mohammed VI’s visit to India in 2015.
More recently, the two countries have expanded cooperation in defense, trade, investment and technology. An Indian defense delegation also visited Morocco in 2025, while both sides have continued discussions on expanding industrial and defense cooperation.
In April 2026, the Indian Navy’s training ship INS Sudarshini made a port call in Casablanca, where its commanding officer held meetings with senior Moroccan naval officials.
Rana said he expected the partnership to become stronger in the coming years as India continues its industrial and economic development.
