**Rajnath Singh to Visit Morocco: First Visit by an Indian Defence Minister**
*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 starting September 22. This marks the first time an Indian Defence Minister will visit the North African country, underscoring the importance of strengthening strategic ties between India and Morocco.
### Strengthening Strategic Ties
The visit aims to enhance defense cooperation and industrial collaboration between the two nations. During his trip, Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s new manufacturing facility for the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 in Berrechid.
### A Milestone in Defence Manufacturing
The Berrechid plant stands out as a significant milestone — it is the first Indian defense manufacturing unit established on African soil. This development is a major achievement under India’s **Aatmanirbhar Bharat** initiative and highlights the expanding global footprint of India’s defence industry.
The visit follows an invitation from Morocco’s Minister Delegate of National Defense, Abdellatif Loudiyi, emphasizing the diplomatic significance of this engagement.
### Strategic Discussions and Cooperation
During the visit, Singh will hold bilateral talks with Minister Loudiyi to explore avenues for enhanced defense cooperation and strategic partnerships. Additionally, he is expected to meet Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, to discuss opportunities for industrial collaboration.
A key outcome anticipated from this visit is the signing of a **Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation**. This MoU would formalize bilateral exchanges, joint training programs, and industrial linkages between the two countries.
### Growing Diplomatic Relations
India-Morocco relations have progressively strengthened since 2015, following a notable meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King Mohammed VI. Rajnath Singh’s visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into this growing partnership, particularly in the defense and strategic sectors.
The Ministry of Defence also highlighted that Indian Navy ships have been making regular port calls at Casablanca in recent years. The new agreements set to be signed during this visit are anticipated to further consolidate maritime cooperation between India and Morocco.
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This historic visit and the initiatives it heralds signify India’s commitment to expanding its defense diplomacy and industrial collaboration beyond traditional boundaries, paving the way for deeper bilateral engagement with Morocco and the African continent.
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