Morocco welcomes Indian defence companies to set up shop

Morocco emerges as a gateway for Indian defense exports to Africa and Europe, fostering strong bilateral relations and investment opportunities.

Morocco is emerging as a springboard for India’s ambitions to expand its footprint in Africa for defence exports. Pitching Morocco as a gateway to Africa and Europe for Indian companies, Abdeltif Loudyi, Morocco’s Minister Delegate to the Head of the Government, and In-Charge of Administration of National Defence, said they would like “to offer state-of-the-art environment, zero bureaucracy, and profitability for Indian defence companies”.

“Morocco and India enjoy excellent bilateral relations based on mutual respect, and have every potential to pursue their positive momentum in various fields, including defence,” Mr. Loudyi said, addressing the India-Morocco defence industry seminar held in Rabat on December 9-10, and jointly organised by the Defence Ministries of the two countries, the Indian Embassy in Morocco, and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers. “We want you in Morocco; we will support you,” he said.

This seminar can only strengthen the historic ties between Morocco and India, two emerging economies with growing strategic cooperation in the defense sector, the Minister observed. “It capitalises on the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to strengthen national production capacities while promoting international collaborations,” he said.

Recently, the Tata Group announced plans to set up its first defence manufacturing facility in that country, also India’s first. Referring to this, Mr. Loudyi said the launch of the strategic defence industry project placed Morocco at the centre of attention as a defence development hub, and opened up promising prospects for investors interested in the defence and high-tech sectors, as demonstrated by the new strategic partnership signed between the National Defense Administration and the Tata Group, aimed at local production of the WhAP 8x8 ground combat vehicle. “The partnership between ADN and TASM is part of a broader drive to develop Morocco’s defense industry, with the aim of gradually building strategic autonomy,” he observed.

Morocco has adopted a new legal framework governing defense industry activity, opting for a gradual approach based on promoting an attractive investment climate, incentives for international investors, and the creation of an industrial ecosystem around the defense industry sector, the Minister said. “In addition, Morocco’s influence in Africa and the Middle East, its maritime and air connectivity, and its modern infrastructure are proven assets that make it a regional and even global export platform for investors,” he added.

Morocco has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 90 countries across Africa and Europe, which officials said would facilitate access.

In this context, the Moroccan Minister said the instructions of His Majesty the King, the Supreme Commander and the Chief of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco included the defence industry in the drive to accelerate their country’s industrialisation.