India and Morocco have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand defence cooperation, during a bilateral meeting between Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Moroccan Defence Minister Abdeltif Loudiyi in Rabat on Monday. The agreement was announced by the Ministry of Defence in an official release, reported by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
MoU to strengthen security partnership
The MoU provides for closer engagement in defence industry, joint exercises, training and capacity building. According to PIB, the two ministers agreed to strengthen collaboration in counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber defence, peacekeeping operations, military medicine and expert exchanges. Singh stressed India’s growing defence capabilities, including drone and counter-drone technologies, and assured that Indian companies are equipped to meet Morocco’s requirements.
Defence Wing to boost coordination
To implement the new initiatives, Singh announced the opening of a Defence Wing at the Embassy of India in Rabat. The new Defence Wing in Rabat will act as a dedicated channel to take forward joint initiatives and strengthen day-to-day coordination. The ministers also spoke of exploring opportunities for co-development and co-production in the defence sector, along with expanding training and exchange programmes between the armed forces.
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Maritime security focusÂ
Both sides underlined the importance of safeguarding sea lanes in the Indian Ocean and Atlantic, given their growing strategic relevance. They agreed on closer coordination in maritime security and recognised the need for wider multilateral cooperation to meet emerging security challenges. Singh also invited Minister Loudiyi to visit India for further talks on expanding defence engagement.
First official visit by Indian Defence Minister
This visit marked the first by an Indian Defence Minister to Morocco. On arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport on Sunday, Singh was received by senior Moroccan military officials and India’s Ambassador to Morocco, Sanjay Rana. On Monday, Singh paid homage at the Royal Mausoleum in Rabat, where he laid a wreath in memory of late Kings Mohammed V and Hassan II. Members of the Indian community also welcomed him in large numbers, reflecting the growing warmth in bilateral relations.
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