India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, recently embarked on a landmark visit to Morocco, ushering in a new era of defense cooperation between the two nations. This historic trip was highlighted by the inauguration of India’s very first overseas defense manufacturing facility.
During his visit on September 23, 2025, Mr. Singh, alongside Moroccan Defence Minister Abdelatif Loudyi, officially opened Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) cutting-edge defense production plant in Berrechid. This facility is set to manufacture India’s domestically designed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), representing a pivotal achievement in expanding India’s defense industry footprint worldwide.
According to a senior Defense Ministry official, Morocco is strategically positioned as a gateway to the African continent, opening up a promising market for Indian defense hardware. Africa currently faces significant challenges, including terrorism, insurgencies, and internal strife, creating a high demand for various military supplies like small arms, bulletproof vests, armored vehicles, tanks, and helicopters. This presents a golden opportunity for India to bolster its presence in the African defense sector, not just through sales but also by establishing vital Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. Historically, Russia dominated this market, but the conflict in Ukraine and subsequent international sanctions have severely disrupted its supply lines. Given India’s extensive experience as a major importer of Russian defense equipment, it possesses unique expertise in maintaining these systems, making it an ideal partner for African nations.
This visit by Mr. Singh underscores a broader trend of growing defense collaboration between India and various African nations. Prior to this, during Aero India 2025, he engaged in important bilateral discussions with representatives from Algeria, Tanzania, and Zambia. Furthermore, an official confirmed that Egypt has expressed keen interest in India’s domestically produced Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv – a significant boost for Indian defense manufacturers.
Ambassador Sujan Chinoy, Director General of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), emphasized the historic nature of Rajnath Singh’s trip, noting it as the first by an Indian Defence Minister to Morocco. The visit successfully achieved two major objectives: securing a defense cooperation agreement and inaugurating Tata Advanced Systems’ WhAP 8×8 manufacturing plant in Berrechid, which stands as India’s inaugural defense production unit on African soil. Chinoy further highlighted Morocco’s potential as a strategic defense gateway to Africa and a crucial ally in combating terrorism and maritime security challenges.
India’s proactive engagement with Africa perfectly complements its ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliance) defense manufacturing initiative, launched in 2019. It’s noteworthy that Mr. Singh’s very first international trip as Defense Minister was to Mozambique, a clear indicator of Africa’s central role in India’s strategic vision. His commitment to the continent was further demonstrated by his 2023 visit to Nigeria for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration.
Regarding India’s burgeoning defense ties with African nations, Professor Harsh V. Pant, Vice President of Studies and Foreign Policy at the Observer Research Foundation, remarked that India is actively broadening its defense diplomacy with a strong emphasis on boosting defense exports. Africa, with its historical connections and strategic comfort with India, offers a wealth of opportunities. India’s unique position, standing apart from the U.S., China, and Russia blocs, makes it a highly appealing partner. However, India’s success in this competitive landscape hinges on expanding its defense manufacturing capabilities, effectively marketing its products, highlighting operational triumphs, and ensuring cost-effectiveness. The current sanctions against Russia could also open new avenues for India in the African market, given its politically neutral posture.
Officials noted that African countries are now receiving priority attention at defense expos. Engagement is actively growing through various joint exercises and dialogues. The Indian Navy, in particular, has significantly increased its port visits to African nations and broadened its participation in both bilateral and multilateral naval exercises, signaling a robust and expanding partnership.
This visit to Morocco by Mr. Singh, officials emphasized, marks a pivotal moment, signaling a new and intensified phase in India-Africa defense collaboration, strategically timed just before next year’s India–Africa Forum Summit. Both India and African nations are actively strengthening their bonds through enhanced training programs, capacity-building initiatives, and joint military exercises. This burgeoning partnership is clearly evidenced by established platforms like the India–Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD), the India–Africa Defence Ministers’ Conclave (IADMC), and the Africa–India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) naval exercise, which involves ten African countries.
India’s defense industry is already demonstrating significant progress. In 2023, a total of ten Indian companies—eight from the public sector and two from the private sector—proudly exhibited their offerings at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo. Their presence underscored not only the high quality of Indian defense systems but also the assurance of dependable after-sales support.
Tracing back to 2020, India and fifty African nations collectively endorsed the Lucknow Declaration during the inaugural India–Africa Defence Ministers’ Conclave, held concurrently with DefExpo in Lucknow. This formalized dialogue was later rebranded as the India–Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) during DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar. The momentum continued the following year with the first India–Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave, hosted in Pune alongside the second Africa–India Joint Exercise AFINDEX, further solidifying military ties.