Rabat, September 24: India and Morocco on Monday signed a defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening strategic ties, with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announcing the opening of a new Defence Wing at the Embassy of India in Rabat.
Singh met Moroccan Defence Minister Abdeltif Loudiyi in the capital, where the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing an institutional framework to expand cooperation. The pact covers collaboration in the defence industry, joint military exercises, training, and capacity building, India’s Defence Ministry said.
The ministers agreed to broaden defence industry cooperation under a roadmap that includes counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber defence, peacekeeping operations, military medicine and expert exchanges. Singh highlighted India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities, including drones and counter-drone systems, and said Indian companies were positioned to support Morocco’s security needs.
The two leaders also stressed the importance of expanding armed forces exchanges, specialised training programmes, and opportunities for co-development and co-production of equipment. They underlined the need for closer coordination on maritime security in the Indian Ocean and Atlantic corridors.
Singh invited Loudiyi to visit India for further discussions. The meeting marked a milestone in deepening ties between the two countries, underscoring their shared commitment to regional and global peace and stability, the ministry said.
