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 is emerging as a springboard for India’s ambitions to expand its footprint in Africa for defence exports. Pitching Morocco as a gateway to Africa and Europe for Indian companies, Abdeltif Loudyi, Morocco’s Minister Delegate to the Head of the Government, and In-Charge of Administration of National Defence, said they would like “to offer state-of-the-art environment, zero bureaucracy, and profitability for Indian defence companies”.
“Morocco and India enjoy excellent bilateral relations based on mutual respect, and have every potential to pursue their positive momentum in various fields, including defence,” Mr. Loudyi said, addressing the India-Morocco defence industry seminar held in Rabat on December 9-10, and jointly organised by the Defence Ministries of the two countries, the Indian Embassy in Morocco, and the Society of Indian Defence 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, the Minister observed. “It capitalises on the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to strengthen national production capacities while promoting international collaborations,” he said.
Recently, the Tata Group announced plans to set up its first defence manufacturing facility in that country, also India’s first. Referring to this, Mr. Loudyi said the launch of the strategic defence industry project placed Morocco at the centre of attention as a defence development hub, and opened up promising prospects for investors interested in the defence and high-tech sectors, as demonstrated by the new strategic partnership signed between the National Defense Administration and the Tata Group, aimed at local production of the WhAP 8×8 ground combat vehicle. “The partnership between ADN and TASM is part of a broader drive to develop Morocco’s defense industry, with the aim of gradually building strategic autonomy,” he observed.
Morocco has adopted a new legal framework governing defense industry activity, opting for a gradual approach based on promoting an attractive investment climate, incentives for international investors, and the creation of an industrial ecosystem around the defense industry sector, the Minister said. “In addition, Morocco’s influence in Africa and the Middle East, its maritime and air connectivity, and its modern infrastructure are proven assets that make it a regional and even global export platform for investors,” he added.
Morocco has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 90 countries across Africa and Europe, which officials said would facilitate access.
In this context, the Moroccan Minister said the instructions of His Majesty the King, the Supreme Commander and the Chief of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco included the defence industry in the drive to accelerate their country’s industrialisation.
The seminar offered opportunities for joint ventures, technology sharing, and procurement potential for Indian defence companies in Morocco, officials said. One of the objectives was also to understand Morocco’s specific defence requirements, particularly in armoured personnel carriers and other critical assets, and provide tailored solutions through Indian defence manufacturing expertise to support their vision for defence modernisation, one official said.
“Presentations by Moroccan officials emphasised the country’s investor-friendly climate; free zones, including the Atlantic Free Zone; and incentives for foreign investments. The Indian delegation also visited the Atlantic Free Zone, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Morocco’s industrial landscape,” the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers said on social media platform X.
The Mr. Loudyi’s 2018 visit to India saw focus on hydrography, peacekeeping, telemedicine, information technology, counterterrorism, and counterinsurgency. Key agreements included Memorandums of Understanding on cyber security and peaceful uses of outer space, strengthening cooperation in advanced technologies, and defence. Morocco’s defence budget is 5% of its GDP.
Bilateral trade between India and Morocco was approximately $4.1 billion in 2023, with major exports from India including refined petroleum, vehicles, and various chemicals. India is the largest buyer of phosphate from Morocco.
Published – December 15, 2024 09:55 pm IST
