In a historic step to expand India’s global defence footprint, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will undertake a two-day official visit to Morocco beginning Monday. The visit will mark the first-ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Morocco, underscoring the growing strategic convergence between the two nations. During his trip, Mr. Singh will inaugurate Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s manufacturing facility for Wheeled Armoured Platforms in Berrechid, Morocco. This will be the first Indian defence manufacturing plant in Africa, a milestone under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
First Indian Defence Plant in Africa
- Facility: Tata Advanced Systems Maroc
- Location: Berrechid, Morocco
- Focus: Manufacturing Wheeled Armoured Platforms
Significance
- First-ever Indian defence plant on African soil
- Reflects India’s expanding defence industry footprint globally
- Supports PM Narendra Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative
- This initiative demonstrates India’s shift from being a major defence importer to becoming a defence exporter and global collaborator.
Strategic Engagements During the Visit
- Bilateral Meeting: With Moroccan Defence Minister Abdeltif Loudiyi, focusing on strategic, defence, and industry cooperation.
- Industrial Collaboration: Meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Industry & Trade Ryad Mezzour to explore joint industrial ventures.
- Indian Community Interaction: Engagement with the Indian diaspora in Rabat.
MoU Signing: Both nations are expected to sign an MoU on Defence Cooperation, which will provide,
- Framework for defence exchanges
- Opportunities for training and capacity building
- Industrial linkages for joint projects
Significance of the Development
- Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Marks a major step in India’s defence manufacturing expansion abroad.
- Africa Outreach: Establishes India’s strategic presence in Africa, a region of increasing geopolitical competition.
- Defence Diplomacy: Strengthens India–Morocco bilateral ties, opening avenues for joint training, technology sharing, and industrial cooperation.
- Economic Diplomacy: Encourages industrial partnerships between Indian and Moroccan companies, generating local jobs and enhancing defence capabilities.
Quick Facts
- Inauguration: Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s Wheeled Armoured Platform facility at Berrechid
- Significance: First Indian defence manufacturing plant in Africa
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative: Launched in May 2020 to promote self-reliance, including in defence manufacturing
- India Defence Exports (2024–25): Crossed ₹21,000 crore, record high
- Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL): Defence and aerospace arm of the Tata Group, established in 2007
- Morocco
- Capital: Rabat
- Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- Major Port: Casablanca