New defence pact in Rabat opens doors for India and Morocco to cooperate on training, technology, and maritime security, while establishing a defence wing in Morocco.
India and Morocco signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation in Rabat on 22 September 2025. The agreement was concluded following a bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdeltif Loudiyi.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in areas such as defence industry partnerships, joint exercises, military training, and capacity building. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that the arrangement aims to expand existing defence ties between the two countries.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed a range of issues, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber defence, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, and expert exchanges. Both sides agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration in these fields.
Singh announced that a Defence Wing would be set up at the Embassy of India in Rabat to support the implementation of initiatives under the MoU. He outlined the capabilities of India’s defence industry, including technologies related to drones and counter-drone systems, and noted that Indian companies could contribute to Morocco’s defence requirements.
The discussions also covered training programmes, armed forces exchanges, and the possibility of co-development and co-production in the defence sector. Both ministers highlighted the importance of cooperation in maritime security, with reference to the Indian Ocean and Atlantic corridors.
Singh extended an invitation to Loudiyi to visit India for further discussions. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue dialogue and work towards strengthening defence relations.
According to the MoD, the MoU represents a step in formalising defence cooperation between India and Morocco and provides a basis for future collaboration across multiple areas.
