فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The Moroccan Ambassador to New Delhi, Mohamed Maliki, has affirmed Morocco’s growing role as a strategic platform for Indian companies seeking to expand their exports, particularly in the defense industry sector.
In an interview with the Indian magazine “India and the World,” Maliki explained that Morocco’s strategic geographical location, coupled with its free trade agreements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, makes it an “ideal incubator for Indian companies aspiring to access key markets.” He noted that these strategic advantages have already attracted numerous international investors, emphasizing that India is no exception, as evidenced by Tata Advanced Systems’ establishment of its first manufacturing plant outside India in Morocco, demonstrating “the Kingdom’s ability to meet international standards in defense and manufacturing.”
The ambassador also highlighted the rapid developments in Morocco’s defense industry, where India can play a pivotal role. He pointed out that India “has made significant strides in defense and competitive manufacturing, and this expertise can find fertile ground in Morocco, which aims to enhance its independence and industrial capabilities.”
In addition to the defense sector, Maliki emphasized the broadening scope of Moroccan-Indian cooperation to include other strategic areas, noting that relations between the two countries have experienced unprecedented momentum since King Mohammed VI’s historic visit to New Delhi in 2015.
During this visit, it was agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, aimed at strengthening traditional sectors and exploring promising areas such as defense, cybersecurity, space exploration, maritime security, and counter-terrorism.
Economically, the ambassador noted that bilateral trade had increased from approximately $1.2 billion in 2015 to $4.2 billion in 2023, a significant progress considering the geographical distance and language barriers. Bilateral trade includes strategic products such as fertilizers, phosphates, electrical equipment, automotive components, steel, and tires.
Investments have also witnessed remarkable growth, with the number of Indian companies operating in Morocco increasing from 13 in 2015 to over 46 in 2025, in addition to approximately 200 companies operating indirectly in the Kingdom. Maliki affirmed that “this momentum reflects the shared desire of both countries to facilitate business and foster a sustainable economic partnership.”
In the automotive sector, the ambassador highlighted the immense potential for cooperation between the two countries, noting that many Indian automotive component companies, such as IM Gear, are located in Moroccan industrial zones. He explained that this collaboration has contributed to transforming Morocco into a success story in the automotive industry, becoming the leading car exporter in Africa in just 12 to 14 years.
He added: “Today, we produce over 700,000 cars, with projections of reaching one million cars in the near future, and a local integration rate exceeding 65 percent. We have also developed a locally made Moroccan car, as well as a revolutionary hydrogen vehicle based on a unique type of rechargeable capsule, offering an innovative solution compared to the high cost of hydrogen charging stations.”
Maliki affirmed that Morocco’s modern infrastructure, which has significantly developed over the past decade, is capable of keeping pace with this industrial momentum, noting that Moroccan ports are “specifically adapted to support various sectors, including energy, transportation, trade, fishing, and mining and fertilizers, and play a pivotal role in developing the automotive industry.”
He also pointed to the promising potential for cooperation between the two countries in the renewable energy sector, particularly within the framework of the International Solar Alliance, emphasizing that Morocco and India have ambitious programs for Africa’s development and can join forces to transfer technology and industrial modernization to the continent.
Finally, the ambassador stressed that relations between Morocco and India extend beyond economic and industrial aspects, highlighting the strong cultural ties between the two countries, which promote mutual understanding, peace, and stability in the world.
from: fesnews
