INS Tamal Completes Successful Port Visit to Casablanca, Strengthening India–Morocco Naval Ties

The Indian Navy’s newest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, successfully completed a three-day port call at Casablanca, Morocco from 6–9 August 2025 as part of her return journey to India. Commissioned in Russia on 1 July 2025, INS Tamal is sailing home via several European and Asian ports, showcasing India’s maritime diplomacy and deepening defence partnerships.

This visit marked the third Indian Naval Ship to dock at Casablanca in the last two years, reflecting the growing strategic importance of India–Morocco defence cooperation.

Strengthening Bilateral Naval Cooperation

The port call featured a rich programme of engagements aimed at enhancing cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Moroccan Navy. Activities included,

• Bilateral discussions with senior Moroccan naval officials
• Cross-deck visits to share operational insights
• Sports matches promoting camaraderie between crews
• Yoga sessions highlighting India’s cultural heritage
• Cultural exchanges honouring Indo-Moroccan friendship

These activities reinforced mutual respect, trust, and operational understanding between the two maritime forces.

High-Level Interactions

During the port visit, the ship’s crew held interactions with prominent Moroccan military leaders, including,

• Captain Rachid Sadrhazi, Commander of the 1st Naval Base
• Captain-Major Hasan Akouli, Commander of the Central Maritime Sector
• Brigadier General Jamal Kaztouf, Delegated Commander of Weapons of Casablanca Area
• Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Rear-Admiral Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy
• The Indian Ambassador to Morocco, H.E. Shri Sanjay Rana, visited INS Tamal, engaging with both the ship’s crew and Moroccan naval officials to discuss avenues for enhanced defence collaboration.

Joint Naval Exercise at Sea

Upon departure from Casablanca, INS Tamal conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Royal Moroccan Navy Ship Mohammed VI. The exercise allowed both navies to practice interoperability, communication procedures, and coordinated manoeuvres, further building operational synergy.

Maritime Diplomacy and Strategic Significance

The visit underscores India’s commitment to deepening defence partnerships in North Africa as part of its broader maritime diplomacy strategy. The Casablanca stopover provided both navies an opportunity to share best practices, discuss maritime security challenges, and explore new areas of cooperation.

En route to her home base in India, INS Tamal will continue to visit multiple European and Asian ports, expanding India’s naval outreach and strengthening bilateral ties across regions.