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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will embark on a four-day official visit to Morocco from September 21–24, his first to the North African country. The visit underscores India’s growing interest in expanding its defence-industrial presence in Africa and strengthening partnerships amid ongoing global and regional shifts.
This high-level visit also sets the stage for deeper India-Africa engagement ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled for next year.
MKU: First Indian Defence Player to Enter Morocco
Kanpur-based MKU has been at the forefront of India’s defence presence in Morocco. The company has worked closely with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces over the past four years. It is currently the only Indian defence firm with an established operational footprint in the country.
According to sources, MKU has provided a range of critical equipment, including ballistic helmets and body armour, night vision binoculars, sighting systems for grenade launchers, and surveillance equipment tailored for operational forces. This diverse array of supplies enhances the safety and effectiveness of personnel in various operational situations.
Its long-standing relationship with Moroccan defence institutions has made MKU a pioneer in India-Morocco defence ties, laying the groundwork for trust and technical cooperation. The company’s expertise in soldier protection and electro-optics has played a key role in Morocco’s effort to modernise its infantry and special forces.
Tata Advanced Systems: A Strategic New Entrant
More recently, a major milestone was reached with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) signing a strategic agreement with the Moroccan government in 2024. Under the deal, TASL will partner with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces to locally assemble and produce the 8×8 Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) in Casablanca.
Developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Motors, the vehicle has already seen deployment in limited numbers along India’s Ladakh border. The Casablanca facility, spread over 20,000 square meters, marks:
- India’s first overseas defence manufacturing venture
- Morocco’s first large-scale defence assembly plant
- A potential export hub for African markets
TASL’s entry represents a new wave of Indian defence industrial collaboration, focused on co-production and ecosystem building.
The plant is expected to be operational soon, with key sub-systems and components sourced from India, and final assembly taking place in Morocco. The project will also support local employment, training, and vendor development.
Why Morocco? Strategic Timing, Shared Interests
Singh’s visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical interest in Africa. As China expands its footprint across the continent, including through military bases, arms exports, and infrastructure lending, India is offering an alternative model: capacity-building through partnerships.
India has ramped up diplomatic and defence cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Africa. The Navy’s AIKEYME maritime exercise in Tanzania earlier this year saw participation from 10 African nations, signalling India’s broader security engagement.
Meanwhile, China’s military presence, especially its base in Djibouti, and its sale of low-cost weapons to over 20 African nations have raised concerns about strategic dependency. SIPRI data shows that 7 of the top 10 African militaries now operate Chinese armoured vehicles. Against this backdrop, India’s model of training, joint development, and co-production is gaining increasing appeal.
Building Defence Bridges with Africa
With MKU already operational and TASL laying down long-term industrial roots, India is steadily building a diversified defence footprint in Africa.
Rajnath Singh’s visit is set to prioritise enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, reviewing the progress of current defence projects, and exploring new opportunities for joint ventures and exports. Additionally, the visit aims to lay the groundwork for multilateral initiatives at the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties and collaboration in defence between India and its partners.
For India, Morocco offers not just a friendly partner but a gateway to West and North Africa, and a base to scale ‘Make in India for the World’ initiatives.
As Singh touches down in Casablanca, the visit will likely mark a pivotal moment in India’s South-South defence diplomacy, one that combines industrial ambition with strategic foresight.
Huma Siddiqui
