India and Morocco have solidified their growing relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost military cooperation. The agreement was inked on Monday, September 22, 2025, following discussions between India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart, Abdeltif Loudiyi. Singh's visit marks the first time an Indian defense minister has traveled to Morocco.
The MoU aims to create an institutional framework that will broaden and deepen bilateral defense engagement through exchanges, training, and industrial partnerships. Officials stated that the agreement would enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Following the meeting, Rajnath Singh stated on 'X' that he had a productive discussion with Morocco's Defence Minister, Abdeltif Loudiyi, and that they signed an MoU on cooperation in the field of defense. He also noted that India's ties with Morocco have been growing significantly over the years. Discussions centered on ways to deepen collaboration in key areas such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber defense, and capacity building.
The strengthening of ties between India and Morocco gained momentum after King Mohammed VI met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India in 2015. Both nations are part of the Non-Aligned Movement. India has historically supported Morocco's decolonization and freedom movement, formally recognizing the nation on June 20, 1956, and establishing relations in 1957.
Over the years, India and Morocco have maintained cordial and friendly relations, witnessing significant depth and growth in bilateral relations. High-level visits, including those of Prime Ministers and other ministers, have occurred regularly between the two countries.
Economic ties between India and Morocco have also strengthened. India is a major market for Moroccan phosphate and its derivatives. In the first half of 2021, India was Morocco's fourth-largest trading partner and thirteenth-largest supplier. Bilateral trade has witnessed significant growth, driven by increased imports of Moroccan phosphates and raw materials. India's exports to Morocco include textiles, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and machinery.
Morocco's strategic location as a gateway to African and European markets provides India with a strategic entry point to expand its influence in these regions. The partnership between India and Morocco spans various critical areas, including defense and military cooperation, trade, and institutional engagement. The growing partnership reflects a convergence of strategic interests as both nations seek to expand their influence in Asian, African, and European markets.
