Rabat, Sep 23 (NationPress) - Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held discussions on enhancing collaborations in critical sectors such as defence, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals with Morocco's Minister of Trade Ryad Mezzour on Tuesday in Rabat, according to an official announcement.

A spokesperson from the Defence Ministry stated on social media platform X, “Mr. Mezzour extended a warm welcome to the Raksha Mantri and emphasized the necessity of boosting industrial cooperation between the two countries, rooted in a long-standing friendship. The talks focused on strengthening partnerships across key sectors including defence, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.”

The Defence Minister's visit to Morocco aims to fortify the growing strategic alignment between India and the North African country, as indicated by the Defence Ministry.

This visit, prompted by an invitation from Morocco's Minister Delegate of National Defence, Abdeltif Loudiyi, marks the inaugural visit of an Indian Defence Minister to this North African country.

On the first day of his two-day visit, Rajnath Singh engaged with the Indian diaspora in Rabat, commending their contributions to both their host nation and their homeland.

Expressing his appreciation on social media, Rajnath Singh stated: “It was a pleasure to connect with the Indian community in Rabat. Their hard work and commitment exemplify the Indian diaspora globally. It’s remarkable how they are contributing to Morocco’s advancement while staying connected to their roots in India.”

The Defence Minister’s office further noted: “Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh engaged with the Indian Community in Rabat, Morocco. He highlighted India's transformational journey over the past decade across various sectors including the economy, manufacturing, technology, startups, digital revolution, and defence capabilities. The Indian diaspora expressed their growing pride in India’s rising global stature.”

A significant aspect of the Defence Minister’s visit is the inauguration of Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s new manufacturing facility in Berrechid, which will produce the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8x8. This facility represents the first Indian defence manufacturing plant in Africa, marking a pivotal achievement for India’s defence exports under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.