فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
RABAT – The Indian stealth frigate INS Tamal, recently commissioned, concluded its visit to Casablanca, which included joint naval exercises with the Royal Moroccan Navy’s Mohammed VI frigate, in a move that strengthens military cooperation between the two nations.
From August 6 to 9, 2025, the Royal Moroccan Navy hosted the Indian frigate at the port of Casablanca. The visit featured a series of maritime exercises, as well as cultural, sporting, and diplomatic activities, marking a significant step in enhancing military cooperation between the two sides.
The port call by the Indian stealth frigate INS Tamal, one of the most modern vessels in the Indian fleet, was specifically arranged for this mission, highlighting the importance both nations place on this partnership.
According to a spokesperson for the Indian Navy, the frigate was on its return journey from Russia to India. Before departing from Casablanca, it participated in a PASSEX (Passing Exercise) with the Royal Moroccan Navy’s Mohammed VI frigate. The spokesperson added that this visit helped improve the operational interoperability between the two navies.
Citing India’s Ministry of Defence, the newspaper The Tribune reported that this visit constitutes “a cornerstone in the maritime diplomacy of the two countries and demonstrates the dynamism of bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of maritime security and combating transnational threats.”
This marks the third visit by an Indian frigate to the port of Casablanca in less than two years, underscoring the growing military and defense cooperation between Rabat and New Delhi. This collaboration extends beyond the naval domain to include several strategic sectors.
During the port call, the crews of both navies participated in bilateral meetings, cross-deck visits, yoga sessions, and cultural events celebrating the friendship between the Moroccan and Indian peoples.
Official meetings were also held with the high command of the Royal Moroccan Navy, attended by the Indian Ambassador to Morocco, Sanjay Rana, who praised the quality of the partnership and the mutual trust between the armed forces of the two countries.
The visit by the INS Tamal is part of its return journey to India after being commissioned in Russia in early July. Its voyage included several stops at European and Asian ports, as part of India’s strategy to affirm its maritime presence.
The highlight of the visit was a joint PASSEX between the INS Tamal and the Moroccan frigate Mohammed VI, aimed at improving operational coordination and combat readiness of the two fleets. This maneuver illustrates the two countries’ shared commitment to ensuring the security and stability of navigation in the world’s oceans and seas.
This cooperation illustrates Morocco’s desire to expand its military partnerships beyond its traditional European and American allies, opening up to emerging powers in Asia, such as India, which seeks to strengthen its presence in the Western Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean.
In recent years, Morocco and India have made notable progress, signing several important strategic agreements, particularly in the area of defense investments and the Kingdom’s acquisition of Indian military equipment.
