Morocco emerges as a gateway for Indian defense exports to Africa and Europe, fostering strong bilateral relations and investment opportunities. | Photo credit: X/@SIDMIndia

Morocco appears to be a springboard for India’s ambitions to expand its presence in Africa for defense exports. Presenting Morocco as a gateway to Africa and Europe for Indian companies, Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate of Morocco to the Head of Government and responsible for the administration of national defense, declared that they would like to “offer cutting-edge solutions”. environment, zero bureaucracy and profitability for Indian defense companies.”

“Morocco and India maintain excellent bilateral relations based on mutual respect and have all the potential to continue their positive dynamics in various fields, notably defense,” declared Mr. Loudyi, addressing the Indian seminar -Moroccan on the defense industry organized in Rabat on December 9. 10, and jointly organized by the defense ministries of the two countries, the Indian Embassy in Morocco and the Society of Indian Defense Manufacturers. “We want you in Morocco; we will support you,” he said.

This seminar can only strengthen the historic ties between Morocco and India, two emerging economies with growing strategic cooperation in the defense sector, observed the minister. “It capitalizes on the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to strengthen domestic production capabilities while fostering international collaborations,” he said.

Recently, the Tata group announced its intention to create its first defense manufacturing plant in this countryalso the first in India. In this regard, Mr. Loudyi indicated that the launch of the strategic defense industry project has placed Morocco at the center of attention as a defense development pole, and has opened up promising prospects for investors interested in the defense and high technology sectors, as evidenced by the new strategic partnership signed between the National Defense Administration and the Tata Group, aimed at the local production of the WhAP 8×8 ground combat vehicle. “The partnership between ADN and TASM is part of a broader approach to developing Morocco’s defense industry, with the aim of gradually building strategic autonomy,” he observed.

Morocco has adopted a new legal framework governing the activity of the defense industry, opting for a progressive approach based on the promotion of an attractive investment climate, incentives for international investors and the creation of an industrial ecosystem around the defense industry sector, said the minister. “Moreover, Morocco’s influence in Africa and the Middle East, its maritime and air connectivity and its modern infrastructure are proven assets which make it a regional, even global, export platform for investors,” he said. -he added.

Morocco has free trade agreements (FTAs) with 90 countries in Africa and Europe, which officials say would facilitate access.

In this context, the Moroccan minister indicated that the instructions of His Majesty the King, the Supreme Commander and the Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco include the defense industry in the process of accelerating the industrialization of their country.

The seminar provided opportunities for joint ventures, technology sharing and procurement potential for Indian defense companies in Morocco, officials said. One of the objectives was also to understand Morocco’s specific defense needs, particularly regarding armored personnel carriers and other critical assets, and provide tailor-made solutions using Indian expertise in defense manufacturing to support their defense modernization vision, an official said.

“The presentations by Moroccan officials highlighted the country’s favorable investor climate; free zones, including the Atlantic free zone; and incentives for foreign investment. The Indian delegation also visited the Atlantic Free Zone, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Moroccan industrial landscape,” the Society of Indian Defense Manufacturers said on social media platform X.

Mr. Loudyi’s visit to India in 2018 focused on hydrography, peacekeeping, telemedicine, information technology, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency. Key agreements included memorandums of understanding on cybersecurity and peaceful uses of outer space, strengthening cooperation in advanced technologies and defense. Morocco’s defense budget represents 5% of its GDP.

Bilateral trade between India and Morocco stood at around $4.1 billion in 2023, with India’s major exports including refined petroleum, vehicles and various chemicals. India is Morocco’s largest buyer of phosphate.