**Rajnath Singh to Visit Morocco: First Indian Defence Minister to Do So**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 20, 2025, 02:54 PM*
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on a two-day official visit to Morocco beginning September 22. Marking a historic milestone, this will be the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to the North African nation.
### Strengthening Strategic Ties
The visit aims to bolster strategic ties between India and Morocco, with a special emphasis on enhancing defense cooperation and industrial collaboration. One of the highlights of the trip will be the inauguration of Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s new manufacturing facility in Berrechid, dedicated to the production of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8.
### A Milestone for India’s Defence Manufacturing
The Berrechid plant stands as the first Indian defense manufacturing unit on African soil. This achievement aligns with India’s *Aatmanirbhar Bharat* initiative and underscores the growing global footprint of India’s defense industry.
Invited by Morocco’s Minister Delegate of National Defense, Abdellatif Loudiyi, Rajnath Singh’s visit cements the significance of deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
### Key Strategic Discussions and Agreements
During the visit, Singh will engage in bilateral talks with Minister Loudiyi focusing on expanding defense cooperation and strategic partnerships. He is also likely to meet Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, to discuss avenues for enhanced industrial collaboration.
A major expected outcome of the visit is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation. This agreement will pave the way for formal exchanges, training programs, and stronger industrial linkages between India and Morocco.
### Growing Diplomatic and Maritime Cooperation
India-Morocco relations have seen significant momentum since 2015 following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King Mohammed VI. Rajnath Singh’s visit is anticipated to inject renewed energy into this partnership, particularly within defense and strategic sectors.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) also highlighted that Indian Navy ships have made regular port calls at Casablanca in recent years. The new agreement is expected to further consolidate maritime cooperation between the two nations.
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This landmark visit by Rajnath Singh underscores India’s expanding role in global defense partnerships and strengthens its ties with Morocco, fostering cooperation across defense, industrial, and maritime domains.
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