Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh arrived in Casablanca today, embarking on a landmark two-day official visit to Morocco—the first-ever by an Indian Defence Minister. Touching down at Mohammed V International Airport, Singh was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Head Wali of the Military Command of Casablanca and Indian Ambassador Sanjay Rana. The warm reception extended beyond protocol, with the enthusiastic Indian diaspora and members of the Indian Association greeting him with garlands, chants, and vibrant cultural displays, underscoring the deep people-to-people bonds between the two nations.
This visit, at the invitation of Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defence Abdeltif Loudiyi, arrives amid surging strategic convergence between India and Morocco. Bilateral ties have flourished since King Mohammed VI’s 2015 meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, evolving into robust cooperation in defence, trade, and industry. Recent milestones include the Indian Navy’s port call at Casablanca by INS Tamal in August, reinforcing maritime collaboration.
A highlight of Singh’s itinerary is the inauguration of Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Berrechid, near Casablanca. This marks India’s first overseas defence production plant in Africa, focusing on assembling Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 vehicles in partnership with Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces. The venture will generate local jobs, foster technology transfer, and expand India’s ‘Make in India’ footprint across the continent, countering influences like China’s regional expansion.
Singh is scheduled to hold high-level talks with Loudiyi to enhance defence cooperation, including training, joint ventures, and equipment exports. He will also meet Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, to explore industrial synergies, and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence collaboration. Later, Singh will interact with the Indian community in Rabat, celebrating their contributions to Morocco’s growth.
As India eyes deeper Africa engagement ahead of the 2026 India-Africa Forum Summit, this visit symbolizes a new era of mutual prosperity and security. “This milestone reflects India’s growing global defence prowess,” Singh posted on X, emphasizing self-reliance and partnership. With Morocco as a gateway to North Africa, the trip promises to unlock vast opportunities for innovation and stability.
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