‘Praiseworthy contribution in Morocco’s progress’: Rajnath Singh meets Indian community

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on his first visit to Morocco, praised the Indian community’s contributions. His trip includes inaugurating Tata’s defence plant, holding talks, and signing a defence cooperation MoU with Moroccan leaders.

Rabat: On the first day of his historic two-day official visit to Morocco, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with the Indian diaspora in Rabat and praised their contributions to both their host country and their homeland.

The visit marks the first-ever by an Indian Defence Minister to the North African nation, signalling deepening strategic ties between India and Morocco.

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Taking to X, Rajnath Singh shared his appreciation for the Indian community in Morocco:

“Delighted to interact with the Indian community in Rabat. Lauded their hard work and dedication that defines the Indian community across the world. It is praiseworthy how they are contributing to Morocco’s progress and at the same time remain connected to their roots in India.”

The Defence Minister’s office also posted: “Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh interacted with the Indian community in Rabat, Morocco. He highlighted the transformational journey of India in the last decade in multiple dimensions including economy, manufacturing, technology, startups, digital revolution and defence capabilities. The Indian diaspora echoed the growing sense of pride derived from India’s rising global stature.”

According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit, held at the invitation of Morocco’s Minister Delegate of National Defence Abdeltif Loudiyi, aims to strengthen defence, strategic, and industrial cooperation.

A key highlight will be the inauguration of Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s new manufacturing facility in Berrechid, which will produce the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8. This marks the first Indian defence manufacturing plant in Africa, a milestone for India’s defence exports under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

During the visit, Rajnath Singh will also hold bilateral talks with Loudiyi and meet Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, to explore new avenues for industrial collaboration.

The two countries are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation, establishing a framework for expanded defence ties, training programmes, exchanges, and industrial linkages.

“Ties between India and Morocco have gained momentum since His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. The visit is expected to add fresh energy to this partnership, particularly in defence and strategic sectors,” the Defence Ministry said.

India’s naval cooperation with Morocco has also grown, with regular Indian Navy port calls at Casablanca in recent years. The upcoming MoU is expected to further consolidate these maritime ties.