India-Morocco Defence Ties and Strategic Partnership
New Delhi, October 29: Ties between India and Morocco are deepening across defence, maritime security and counter-terrorism, according to Morocco's Ambassador to India, Mohammed Malki. He described the relationship as one of reliable partners and close friends.
In a wide-ranging discussion, the ambassador outlined how the two countries already work together. Counter-terrorism and cyber security cooperation is serious, he said, and joint exercises have been conducted in maritime security.
The centrepiece of the partnership is a defence production facility in Morocco. Malki said the operational unit is a major achievement for both nations. For India, it is among the first facilities producing defence equipment outside its borders. For Morocco, it reinforces defence self-reliance and sovereignty.
He explained that a defence agreement signed last year includes dialogue mechanisms, regular meetings and a working group for coordination. The working group met last September. For Morocco, he said, defence cooperation signals the highest level of trust, naturally pushing both countries toward a strategic partnership.
Malki suggested that India could emerge as a leading supplier of defence equipment to Europe, Africa and other regions. The Marrakech Air Show showcased this cooperation prominently. The notion of 'made by India in Morocco for the world' now seems more tangible than ever.
The opening of the Tata unit, he said, sent a clear signal to Indian industry that Morocco offers a favourable climate for investment. Other companies have also shown growing interest in following that path.
On the wider Global South, he said India is an important voice and has consistently supported African nations. He cited Prime Minister Modi's role in helping the African Union secure a permanent place in the G20. Morocco, he added, will continue to support India's permanent membership of the UN Security Council, arguing that the Council must reflect current global realities.
He said the two countries are reliable voices for their regions, and their influence would be stronger if they worked together for Global South interests.
On artificial intelligence, Malki said India should help African countries keep pace with this technological revolution. Africa and India supply rare minerals essential to new technologies, but these nations often purchase the finished technology later at a higher price. Digital resources and innovation transfer, he said, could help bridge that gap. Responsible and inclusive AI use could also support employment, transparency and anti-corruption efforts.
Addressing the Gaza crisis, he said the situation is extremely painful. The loss of soldiers in any war is tragic, he said, but seeing many children and families affected, and a city that was vibrant only a few years ago nearly destroyed, is deeply distressing. He recalled King Mohammed VI's words that humanity's morality seemed to have vanished, and voiced hope that it would return.
On ministerial travel, Malki said Morocco has recently formed a new government led by Fatima Al Mansouri, the first woman to hold the post of prime minister in the country, which is currently engaged in budget preparations. More than 42 ministerial visits have taken place in recent years, reflecting growing importance and high-level cooperation. He could not confirm any particular visit at this stage, but expressed confidence that high-level travel will continue.
Commenting on Prime Minister Modi's 25 years in public life, the ambassador said, as a diplomat, he would not comment on another country's internal politics. He did note India's progress and growing global stature, calling it remarkable and significant in many respects. Governing a vast, diverse and multi-religious nation is not easy, he said, and he believes the Indian public appears satisfied with its leadership.