Indian defense minister begins historic visit to Morocco

Monday 22 September 2025 - 09:00

By: Sahili Aya

Indian defense minister begins historic visit to Morocco

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Morocco on Sunday for a two-day official visit, marking the first time a holder of this position has visited the Kingdom. The trip, described as historic, represents a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Rabat and New Delhi.

Upon landing at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Singh was welcomed by senior Moroccan military officials, India’s ambassador to Morocco Sanjay Rana, and members of the Indian community. The Indian Embassy shared a message on X, noting that the minister had been “warmly received by senior government and military leaders, as well as by the Indian diaspora in Morocco.”

One of the highlights of the visit will be the inauguration of a new Tata Advanced Systems unit in Berrechid, dedicated to producing the WhAP 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle. This facility, the first Indian defense manufacturing plant in Africa, underlines India’s expanding global defense footprint and Morocco’s role as a strategic hub in the region.

During the visit, Singh will also meet Moroccan officials, including Abdeltif Loudiyi, the minister delegate for national defense administration. Both sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering military exchanges, joint training programs, and industrial partnerships.

According to India’s Ministry of Defense, this visit builds on the momentum created since the 2015 meeting between HM King Mohammed VI and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. It aims to boost the Morocco–India strategic partnership in defense, security, and industrial cooperation, positioning Morocco as a key African partner in regional and global defense collaboration.