Morocco has become India’s major security and trading partner in North Africa. Relations between the two countries is gaining momentum in all sectors, including defense industry, said Indian business daily “The Economic Times”.
To secure its fertilizer supply, India is collaborating closely with Morocco, a longstanding supplier of phosphates. The agenda includes plans for enduring strategic alliances, cooperative projects, and initiatives to bolster agricultural resilience and food security, said the newspaper.
Moroccan phosphate OCP group supplies one-fifth of India’s rock phosphate imports, one-third of phosphoric acid imports, a significant share of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) imports and 100% of triple super phosphate (TSP) requirements. In 2025, OCP signed agreements to supply India 1.5 million tonne of DAP and 1 million tonne of TSP.
The Economic Times recalled the recent meeting held in Rabat between OCP CEO Mostafa Terrab and India’s External affairs ministry officials led by secretary (south) Neena Malhotra.
The two sides discussed strengthening long-term strategic supply arrangements, potential joint ventures in the fertilizer supply chain, cooperation in sustainable agriculture, health soil and food security cooperation.
Mrs. Malhotra also met Omar Hjira, secretary of state for foreign trade. They discussed bilateral trade and commercial cooperation as well as opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, IT services, textiles and agro-processing.
During her working visit to Rabat, the Indian official also conferred with minister of energy transition and sustainable development Leila Benali on cooperation prospects in renewable energy, sustainable mining value chains, private-sector engagement and capacity-building
In Delhi, Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, inspector general of the Royal Moroccan Navy met this week chief of defense staff General Anil Chauhan. Talks focused on defense exports, cooperation in defense industries, joint & multilateral exercises.
In August, newly commissioned Talwar class frigate of the Indian Navy, INS Tamal, made a port call at Casablanca military port on its maiden journey from Kaliningrad to India. INS Tamal conducted a passage exercise with the Moroccan Navy while departing from Casablanca port.
A passage exercise refers to a joint naval drill between allied navies to improve interoperability.Last December, Indian naval ship Tushil visited Casablanca and conducted a passage exercise with the Moroccan Navy.