India Opens New Defence Wing in Morocco, Signs Strategic MoU in Rabat

In a move aimed at deepening strategic ties in North Africa, India has opened a dedicated Defence Wing in Rabat and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Morocco to formalize and expand military cooperation.

Image Source: Defence Minister Singh

The agreement, signed by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdeltif Loudiyi, lays the foundation for a broad-based security partnership covering counter-terrorism, defence industry collaboration, joint training, cyber defence, peacekeeping, and maritime security.

Key Strategic Shift

The decision to establish a permanent defence presence in Morocco signals a calibrated shift in India’s West Africa and Mediterranean outreach. 

It is the first such defence wing India has opened in the Maghreb region, reflecting New Delhi’s intent to forge long-term military and industrial linkages with Rabat.

Focus Areas Under the MoU:

• Joint military exercises and officer training

• Defence industry collaboration including co-development and co-production

• Maritime domain awareness across Indian Ocean–Atlantic corridors

• Cybersecurity and counter-drone technologies

• Military medicine and expert exchanges

Rajnath Singh emphasized India's growing military-industrial base, offering advanced technologies in drones and counter-drone systems, as part of a broader pitch to equip Moroccan forces with cost-effective, scalable defence solutions.

Strategic Maritime Context

The pact also addresses regional maritime security, underlining shared interests in sea lane protection and coastal surveillance, as Morocco sits at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, while India anchors the Indian Ocean region.

Both countries pledged greater alignment in multilateral platforms and joint responses to emerging security threats, from terrorism to cyber warfare.