India opens first overseas defence plant in Morocco

India and Morocco have inked an agreement to strengthen military cooperation, marking what both sides described as a major milestone in their security relationship.

The agreement was finalized in Rabat on September 22 during a meeting between Defence Minister Abdeltif Loudiyi and his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh, reports The North Africa Post.  

Singh later posted on X that the meeting was “very productive” and to kick start the new relationship with India’s first overseas Defense manufacturing facility in Casablanca. Ties between Morocco and India have gained momentum since King Mohammad VI met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 in India.

According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the deal “provides for a robust institutional framework to the growing partnership and paves the way for collaboration in the defence industry, joint exercises, military training and capacity building.”

A senior Defence official confirmed to the Hindu that Singh will lead a delegation to launch the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) plant, established in partnership with Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces. The facility will initially assemble Wheeled Armoured Platform 8×8 vehicles for Moroccan forces, with plans to expand production for the larger African market.

The talks extended to counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber defence, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, and regular exchanges of expertise, highlighting India’s growing interest in projecting its clout in Africa. In April, New Delhi launched its biggest ever joint naval exercise with African nations, as part of this push to boost its influence in the continent.

He highlighted the maturity of India’s defence industry, pointing to capabilities in drone and counter-drone technology, and assured Morocco that Indian companies could meet the needs of its armed forces.

Both Ministers underlined the importance of intensifying military exchanges, expanding training opportunities, and pursuing joint development and co-production in the defence sector. They also stressed multilateral cooperation to meet global and regional security challenges, with special attention to maritime security in the Indian Ocean and Atlantic corridors.

Singh also formally invited Loudiyi to visit India for further discussions. Calling the agreement a “significant milestone,” the MoD said it reflects “the growing convergence of strategic interests between India and Morocco.”

The North Africa Post / The Hindu/ Maghrebi