New Delhi [India], November 25 (ANI): The Indian Navy and the Royal Moroccan Navy on Tuesday discussed measures to strengthen their maritime partnership, with both sides emphasizing structured training exchanges, enhanced information-sharing mechanisms, and expanded cooperation on maritime security, according to the Navy spokesperson.
Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy, is on an official visit to India and began his engagements with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns in New Delhi. He was received by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, before the two officers held detailed discussions.
India and Morocco have maintained steady defence cooperation over the years. The visit follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s trip to Morocco in September, signaling continued high-level engagement between the two nations on defence and security matters.
During the inauguration of Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s new manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco, Singh described the development as a milestone reflecting India’s expanding role in global defence collaboration. He highlighted India’s approach of “Make in India,” “Make with Friends,” and “Make for the World,” emphasizing collaboration with trusted partners to develop advanced technologies and share the benefits globally.
Singh noted that the new facility demonstrates the capacity of Indian industries not only to meet domestic defence needs but also to contribute to the capabilities of friendly nations. He said this model of partnership respects sovereignty, strengthens local capacity, and supports global peace.
Placing the new defence plant within the broader framework of bilateral ties, the Defence Minister underscored the progress in India–Morocco relations, with cooperation expanding across multiple sectors including renewable energy, fertilisers, information technology, tourism, defence, and advanced manufacturing.
During Singh’s meeting with Morocco’s Defence Minister Abdeltif Loudiyi, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation. The MoU establishes a strong institutional framework for the partnership and outlines avenues for collaboration in the defence industry, joint exercises, military training, and capacity building.
Both Ministers agreed to intensify collaboration in the defence sector and endorsed a comprehensive roadmap covering counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber defence, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, and expert exchanges, according to a Defence Ministry release.
The Defence Minister also announced the opening of a new Defence Wing at the Embassy of India in Rabat to support the growing initiatives. He highlighted the advancement of India’s defence industry, including its drone and counter-drone technologies, and assured Moroccan officials that Indian companies are well-prepared to meet Morocco’s defence requirements.
The meeting marked an important milestone in the bilateral defence relationship and reflected the deepening strategic convergence between India and Morocco.
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