Morocco Emerges as a Key Security and Trade Partner for India in North Africa
Edited By: Widad WAHBI
Morocco has consolidated its position as India’s leading security and commercial partner in North Africa, with bilateral cooperation accelerating across multiple sectors, including defense industries, according to Indian business daily The Economic Times.
A major focus of the partnership is fertilizer security. India, which relies heavily on Moroccan phosphate, is working closely with Rabat to establish long-term strategic alliances, joint projects, and initiatives aimed at strengthening agricultural resilience and food security.
The Moroccan phosphate giant OCP plays a central role in this cooperation. The group supplies around 20% of India’s rock phosphate imports, one-third of phosphoric acid imports, a substantial share of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and all of India’s triple super phosphate (TSP). In 2025, OCP signed contracts to deliver 1.5 million tonnes of DAP and 1 million tonnes of TSP to India.
Recent talks in Rabat between OCP CEO Mostafa Terrab and Indian External Affairs Ministry officials, led by Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra, focused on reinforcing long-term supply agreements, exploring joint ventures along the fertilizer value chain, and expanding cooperation in sustainable agriculture, soil health, and food security.
Mrs. Malhotra also held discussions with Omar Hjira, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, on strengthening bilateral trade and identifying new opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, IT services, textiles, and agro-processing.
During her visit, she met with Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, to explore collaboration in renewable energy, sustainable mining value chains, private sector engagement, and capacity-building.
Defense cooperation is also deepening. In New Delhi, Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Navy, met India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan to discuss defense exports, industrial partnerships, and joint or multilateral exercises.
Naval interactions between both countries have intensified. In August, the newly commissioned Indian Navy Talwar-class frigate INS Tamal made a port call in Casablanca as part of its maiden voyage from Kaliningrad to India. The ship conducted a passage exercise with the Royal Moroccan Navy upon departure. A similar drill took place last December during the visit of the Indian Navy ship Tushil to Casablanca.
These passage exercises aim to enhance interoperability and operational coordination between the two navies, further underscoring the growing strategic alignment between New Delhi and Rabat.
