Did INS Tamal Strengthen India-Morocco Naval Ties?

New Delhi, Aug 10 (NationPress) The Indian Navy’s latest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, has successfully wrapped up a three-day port visit to Casablanca, Morocco, as she makes her way back to India from Russia.

During her stay from August 6-9, the vessel engaged in numerous activities aimed at enhancing cooperation and collaboration between the navies of India and Morocco.

The crew of the ship interacted with key military officials, including Captain Rachid Sadrhazi, Commander of the 1st Naval Base, Captain-Major Hasan Akouli, Commander of the Central Maritime Sector, Brigadier General Jamal Kaztouf, the delegated Commander of Weapons in the Casablanca Area, and Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, the Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.

“Throughout this three-day port call, the ship took part in a variety of activities aimed at fostering collaboration between the two navies. Bilateral discussions with senior military personnel, cross-deck visits, sporting events, yoga sessions, and cultural exchanges were conducted to honor the Indo-Moroccan relationship,” noted the statement.

India's Ambassador to Morocco, Sanjay Rana, visited INS Tamal and engaged with senior Moroccan Navy officials and the ship’s crew. Upon departing from Casablanca, the ship conducted a Passage Exercise alongside the Royal Moroccan Navy Ship Mohammed VI.

In a social media update, an Indian Navy spokesperson remarked: “The Indian Navy’s latest stealth frigate #INSTamal concluded her port call at Casablanca, Morocco on August 9, 2025, while on her return journey from Russia to India. The ship participated in a PASSEX with the #RoyalMoroccanNavy Ship Mohammed VI upon leaving. This port call by INS Tamal has significantly enhanced interoperability between our navies.”

Commissioned in Russia on July 1, INS Tamal is navigating to her home base via multiple European and Asian ports, thereby advancing India’s maritime diplomacy and strengthening bilateral relations, according to the release. This is the third Indian naval vessel to visit Casablanca in the last two years.

The Defence Ministry emphasized: “The port call at Casablanca underscores the significance India places on its relationship with Morocco and the commitment to bolster the evolving defense cooperation between both nations. It also provided a platform for the two navies to exchange best practices and investigate new avenues for collaboration. As INS Tamal continues her journey to India, she will stop at several European and Asian ports to further enhance bilateral ties across various sectors.”