Multisectoral Partnership Drives India-Morocco Ties Forward, More Growth on Horizon
Through an almost octopus-like approach to foreign policy, Morocco's diplomacy has proven influential from north to south and west to east, creating strategic relations across continents.
The country's multidirectional diplomacy enabled Morocco to not only deepen its partnership in Africa and Europe but also expand toward global powerhouses like India, a leader in many sectors, including information technology, exports, and innovation.
Beyond diplomatic ties
Recent data from the Indian government noted that the country's exports have reached $778.21 billion in 2023-2024. The number represents a 67% increase from 466.22 billion in 2013-2014, the same data shows, attributing the situation to India's 'expanding role in global trade, driven by strong performances in both merchandise and services exports.'
Morocco's stability, appealing business environment, and advanced infrastructure make the country an ideal partner for countries across the world, especially those seeking to expand into new markets.
For world leaders, a presence in Morocco means access to a fast-growing market, Africa — a continent with vast untapped potential in all industries, including agriculture.
The continent's agriculture sector covers vast arable lands that remain underutilized, offering significant opportunities that could serve the continent's food security.
Morocco's high-value sectors, like aeronautics and automotive, as well as the renewable energy industry, also provide fertile ground for both existing and potential. Multisectoral partnerships
Statistics from different sources, including the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), have confirmed an already strong tie between India and Morocco.
The observatory indicated that India exported $101 million to Morocco in March 2025. Meanwhile, the country imported $46 million as of March, with the observatory stressing that this resulted in a positive trade balance of $55.3 million.
'Between March 2024 and March 2025, the exports of India to Morocco increased by $8.15M (8.75%) from $93.1M to $101M, while imports decreased by $57.8M (55.7%) from $104M to $46M,' the data shows.
India's main exports to Morocco include drug formulations, motor vehicles, cars, and biologicals.
In 2020, Morocco exported $1.39 billion to India, with the main products exported covering phosphoric acid, mixed mineral or chemical fertilizers.
Over the past 25 years, Moroccan exports to India strengthened at an annual rate of 6.25%, jumping from $306 million in 1995 to $1.39 billion in 2020.
In 2020, meanwhile, India exported $623 million to Morocco, with imports including refined petroleum, packaged medicines, and cars.
India's exports to the North African country reached an annual rate of 11.8%, jumping from $38.9 million in 1995 to $623 million.
India's private industry increasingly sees Morocco as an attractive investment destination. Over the years, the number of Indian companies operating in Morocco has grown from 12 to 40, with businesses from the Asian country focusing on different sectors, including automotive, IT, green technologies, and hospitality.
Some notable Indian companies operating in the North African country include Tata Motors, Sterling and Wilson, Larsen and Toubro, Sumilon, Furnace Fabrica, among several others. Morocco's appealing sectors
In March, India's main imports from Morocco were fertilizers, which represent a key cornerstone sector in Morocco's economy. The North African country positioned itself as a global leader in fertilizer production, as it is home to over 70% of the world's phosphate reserves.
In 2023, Morocco's fertilizer giant OCP Group announced a deal with India to supply the Asian country with 1.7 million metric tonnes of phosphate-based fertilizer.
Under the deal, OCP announced it will supply 700,000 tonnes of fertilizers to the country. OCP emphasized that the fertilizers would be tailored to meet the needs of farmers' soil, with another one million tonnes to be supplied directly to farmers.
Beyond fertilizers, Morocco is considered a powerhouse in other sectors, including the automotive industry, competing with key players like China and India.
The Moroccan government is also confident that its automotive sector has the potential to be more competitive than these countries.
Recently, Morocco's Minister of Industry, Ryad Mezzour, announced that the country's automotive production stands at 700,000 vehicles. The minister said that Morocco is expected to produce one million vehicles by the end of the year.
Morocco's proximity to Europe and its position as a gateway to Africa attract dozens of industrial companies from all sectors, including automotive.
Free zones across Kenitra, Tangier, Casablanca, and beyond host major automotive companies, including Renault, Stellantis, Yazaki, and more.
Indian companies are also establishing a presence in the North African country, including Motherson Group.
In 2022, the group opened its new site in Tangier Med, with a focus on producing instrument panels and door panels for passenger and light commercial vehicles.
During the opening ceremony, the group emphasized Morocco's position as a strategic location for Motherson due to its proximity to Europe and the Middle East, noting that the new facility allows it to better serve its existing and new customers in the regions.
Beyond the automotive sector, the partnership between Morocco and India also extends into different areas like defense and military collaboration. Expanding into defense and beyond
In 2024, Moroccan military officials, including Abdellatif Loudidyi, Morocco's Minister Delegate in charge of national defense administration, highlighted the importance of bilateral ties and stressed how the two countries have 'every potential to pursue their positive momentum in various fields, including defense.'
He also renewed Morocco's commitment to providing favorable conditions for Indian defense companies, vowing zero bureaucracy and profitability. 'We want you in Morocco, we will support you, ' Loudyi said, according to the Hindu.
A strategic partnership in defense has already begun to take shape between the North African country and India's Tata Group. The military deal included a shipment of 90 military trucks.
In September 2024, Morocco's military and TATA Advanced Systems Limited teamed up to produce the WhAP 8×8 armored combat vehicle domestically.
The Moroccan Ministry of Defense said the project is a systematic step toward deepening the historical ties between Morocco and India.
All of the aforementioned agreements and partnerships stem from strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Many officials from both countries stressed the importance of these relations in forging further agreements benefiting New Delhi and Rabat at all levels.
In May, a senior diplomat from the Indian embassy in Rabat emphasized the importance of ties between the two countries. In an exclusive statement to Morocco World News (MWN), the official warmly welcomed Morocco's place as a strategic ally to India.
'India and Morocco share a time-tested and resilient partnership built on deep mutual respect, strategic convergence, and shared quest for the well-being and prosperity of our citizens,' the official who preferred to speak under a condition of anonymity said.
'We value its stability, moderation, and deep ties to multiple regions,' the official added.
The same remarks were echoed by the former Indian ambassador to Morocco in 2024 during the MWN-led initiative Rabat Networking Day (RND) in January, when Rajesh Vaishnaw celebrated the strong bilateral ties between Rabat and New Delhi.
Commenting on ties between Morocco and India, Vaishnaw described them as 'friendly and close.' King's visit brought momentum to ties
The former ambassador emphasized that relations have been strengthened, particularly after the landmark visit of King Mohammed VI to India in 2015.
According to the Moroccan embassy in India, Morocco 'was an unknown destination for Indians for business and investment' for a long time .
'However, since the historic visit to India of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God Assist Him, in October 2015 on the occasion of the 3rd Summit of the India-Africa Forum, the Kingdom of Morocco has become increasingly present in the radar of the Indian business community and Indian multinationals in particular,' the embassy said.
Most recently, reports resurfaced about a potential visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in early July as part of his potential five-nation diplomatic tour. However, a high-level source from the Indian embassy in Rabat familiar with the matter told MWN that the visit is unlikely to take place as such a visit should be well-planned.
Similar high-level visits bring further momentum to relations between countries. A potential visit in the future by Modi could bring further momentum to Morocco-India relations, especially if India moves beyond its traditional position and joins the growing number of powers in recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
A shift towards full recognition or support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most serious and credible political solution to the dispute would place India alongside over 113 countries, including the US, UK, France, and Spain.
Morocco has constantly emphasized how Western Sahara is the lens through which Rabat views its relations and cooperation with other countries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
14 minutes ago
- Morocco World
The Great Argan Appropriation: How a French Multinational is Undermining Morocco's Heritage and Economy
In the sun-scorched hills of southern Morocco, generations of women have toiled with care and pride to extract a golden oil from the nut of the argan tree, a tradition that has nourished communities, empowered cooperatives, and safeguarded one of the world's rarest ecosystems. But today, that tradition stands on the edge of collapse. The reason lies in a silent and systematic takeover of the argan oil industry by a French multinational: Olvea Group. What began as an inspiring model of social entrepreneurship, where Moroccan women's cooperatives transformed ancestral knowledge into economic opportunity, has now become a cautionary tale of dispossession and corporate dominance. A Market Once Moroccan, Now Industrial Olvea, originally a fish oil company from Normandy, France, entered the Moroccan market in 2005 and swiftly expanded its argan operations under the brand Olvea Morocco. Today, it controls nearly 70% of argan oil exports, acting as both buyer and processor, leaving Moroccan producers and cooperatives clinging to the fringes of a sector they built. According to figures highlighted by Médias24 and field research by Reporterre, Moroccan cooperatives, once responsible for over 80% of exports, now represent less than 20% of output. Most have been relegated to subcontracted roles, cracking argan nuts for a pittance while Olvea reaps the profits of processing, branding, and international sales. Many women-led cooperatives are locked into contracts that oblige them to sell below cost. One such cooperative, led by Jamila Idbourrous, was compelled to operate at a loss for nearly a year due to binding agreements. Others have shut down altogether, unable to compete for raw argan fruits, which have become scarce and unaffordable due to climate change, forest degradation, and illegal harvesting networks. Fatima El Mehni, president of a cooperative in Ameskroud, notes with sorrow that they used to produce 3,000 liters a month and now are lucky to make 50. The once-bustling storage rooms of women's collectives now stand eerily empty, while Olvea's state-of-the-art industrial tanks operate at full scale in Agadir. Legal Blind Spots and Trademark Barriers The legal framework has also failed Morocco. Despite the country's long history of argan cultivation, there is still no internationally recognized Protected Geographical Indication for argan oil. A French pharmaceutical company, Pierre Fabre, registered the name 'Argane' as a trademark in 1983, effectively barring Moroccan producers from using their own heritage name in various markets. Although a French court acknowledged in 2013 that 'argan' refers to a generic tree endemic to Morocco, no exclusive rights were granted to Moroccan cooperatives. As a result, Moroccan producers still operate without any guarantee of intellectual property protection, despite the product being listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Climate Stress and Ecological Collapse The environmental situation is just as alarming. The argan ecosystem is under siege. Drought, overgrazing, and agricultural encroachment are shrinking forests and exhausting groundwater reserves. In this context of scarcity, industrial players with deep pockets such as Olvea are buying up raw argan in bulk, pushing local producers out of the market. The traditional 'agdal' system, a form of ecological resting period, has been violated, with illegal collectors raiding forests even during seasonal bans. Women have been harassed or threatened when trying to collect fruit, a resource they historically managed and protected. The power imbalance is clear and deeply unjust. A Pattern Repeated Across Africa Olvea's extractive logic is not limited to Morocco. Greenpeace Africa has exposed the company's role in the depletion of fish stocks in West Africa, where fish oils destined for European livestock and aquaculture feed are extracted at the expense of local communities' food security. In addition to argan oil, Olvea also produces Omega-3 oil extracted from sardines, widely used in food supplements and health products. According to a reliable source in Morocco, the company holds exclusive control over the production of refined fish oils, including Omega-3 derivatives. This operation is carried out through its subsidiary, Winterisation Atlantic, established in Agadir in 2005 as part of Olvea's fish oil activities. While Moroccan raw materials are used, the refined oil is neither sold to Moroccan organisations nor made available to local manufacturers, effectively shutting domestic actors out of the value chain. This has sparked concern among industry professionals, who view the situation as a clear restriction on access to a valuable national resource with both nutritional and economic potential. The same pattern now unfolds in Morocco. Just as Olvea has taken fish from African plates to produce feed for livestock and aquaculture industries in Europe, it is now taking ancestral knowledge and forest fruits from Moroccan women to supply the European beauty market. Reclaiming What Is Rightfully Moroccan This is not simply a business concern. It is a matter of economic justice, cultural sovereignty, and environmental responsibility. Moroccan authorities must act decisively. Securing international recognition for Moroccan argan oil, reforming the sector's governance, supporting value-added local processing, and enforcing environmental protections are no longer optional. They are essential if Morocco is to retain control over one of its most iconic and valuable resources. At the same time, global consumers, especially those who purchase argan oil under the assumption of fairness and sustainability, must ask difficult questions. Who benefits from this product? And who has been left behind? The story of argan oil should not become another example of Africa exporting raw materials while importing poverty. It should remain a celebration of Moroccan excellence, women empowerment, and ecological wisdom. But that can only happen if Morocco reclaims what belongs to it: its land, its knowledge, its communities, and its future. The argan tree grows on Moroccan soil, nurtured by Moroccan hands. Its story should be written by Moroccans, not erased by others. The Broader Struggle for Resource Sovereignty What is unfolding in the argan oil industry reflects a larger structural issue facing developing countries: the imbalance of power between multinational corporations and local economies. From cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire to fishmeal in Mauritania and shea butter in Burkina Faso, African natural resources are consistently extracted and commercialized abroad, often without fair value returning to the source communities. In this landscape, Olvea is not an isolated actor. It is emblematic of a broader system that commodifies heritage while sidelining the custodians of that heritage. This is not merely about argan oil. It is about the principle of who gets to benefit from Africa's natural wealth. The Moroccan case should be a wake-up call for the region to build stronger legal safeguards, reinvest in community-based enterprises, and actively resist the normalization of economic models that strip local populations of value while exporting narratives of ethical trade. Towards a New Vision of Economic Justice Morocco has the potential to pioneer a new model, one that aligns environmental protection, women's empowerment, and national economic development. This means putting cooperatives back at the center of the value chain. It means building a Moroccan-owned export infrastructure that does not rely on foreign intermediaries. It means educating consumers worldwide that true sustainability is not a certification stamped by a European body but a commitment to fair partnerships and shared prosperity. The international community must also bear responsibility. It is time for governments, consumers, and ethical certification bodies to stop rubber-stamping exploitative systems. A product should not be considered ethical if it silences the voices of the people who made it possible. Argan oil is not just a luxury product. It is the symbol of a culture, a history, a way of life. It must remain in Moroccan hands, not just in memory but in reality. In light of these concerning developments, it may be timely for the relevant Moroccan authorities to consider examining such monopolisation practices by foreign organizations. While economic openness is important, the strategic and cultural significance of argan oil makes it vital to ensure that access to this natural treasure remains fair, inclusive, and beneficial to local communities. Safeguarding the argan sector is not only an economic imperative but a cultural responsibility essential to preserving one of Morocco's most meaningful heritage assets.
Ya Biladi
12 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Mauritanian and Algerian armies meet in Tindouf after Polisario attacks on Es-Smara
A few days after the Polisario's rocket attacks on Es-Smara, a Mauritanian army delegation traveled to Tindouf to meet with Algerian military officials. Officially, the June 30 meeting aimed to «assess the security situation along the shared border during the first half of 2025», according to a statement from the Mauritanian army. Discussions also focused on measures to «strengthen coordination between border units, activate joint intelligence efforts to combat terrorism, smuggling, illegal immigration, and unauthorized gold prospecting, and ensure the security of Algerian companies working on the road project linking Tindouf to Zouerate», the statement added. The meeting came just three days after the Polisario launched projectiles on June 27 targeting civilian areas in Es-Smara, including a MINURSO site. As in previous incidents, Polisario fighters reportedly crossed into Mauritanian territory, specifically the Lebriga region bordering Tindouf, before firing missiles at Moroccan positions. Back in May, the Mauritanian government had already announced the closure of the Lebriga area, citing domestic security concerns. «This is a sovereign security policy aimed at controlling border crossings and securing national territory», stated Houssein Ould Meddou, Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, and government spokesperson. «This measure has no political significance and is not directed at any specific party. It is part of a consistent state policy to protect national sovereignty», he added. In recent weeks, the Lebriga region has seen rising tensions involving Mauritanian and Algerian troops, as well as Polisario militias. Mauritania is seeking a stronger commitment from Algeria to help secure the area.
Morocco World
15 hours ago
- Morocco World
Morocco Opens 13 New Social Centers to Help Vulnerable Communities
Rabat — King Mohammed VI has given the green light for 13 new social centers to start serving Morocco's most vulnerable populations immediately. The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity built these facilities across eight provinces to tackle pressing social needs. The centers are part of three major programs that address healthcare access, disability support, and youth training, with an investment exceeding MAD 300 million ($30 million). The initiatives mark a significant expansion of social services nationwide to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable population. New medical centers bridge healthcare gaps As part of the initiatives, the foundation opened a new proximity medical center in Sale with a MAD 85.5 million ($ 8.55 million) budget, bringing the total number of operating medical units to six, with plans for twelve centers across the country. In Al Aroui, residents now have access to a new dialysis center costing MAD 10 million ($ 1.11 million). The new facility complements the nearby Mohammed VI Hospital and improves care for kidney disease patients. Disability support network grows Beni Mellal welcomed a new regional branch of the National Mohammed VI Center for the Disabled. With a budget of MAD 30 million ($ 3 million), the facility expands the network to nine centers serving people with disabilities throughout the North African country. Addiction treatment centers expand The initiative gave birth to three new addiction treatment centers in the cities of Chefchaouen, Al Hoceima, and Beni Mellal. These facilities cost MAD 6.5 million ($ 723,898), MAD 6.5 million ($ 723,898), and MAD 4.5 million ($ 501,322) respectively, raising the number of addiction treatment centers to 18 across 15 cities in Morocco. Job training centers target youth employment Six vocational training centers launched to prepare young people from disadvantaged backgrounds for promising careers, with a particular focus on market-driven skills training across various sectors. Tit Mellil opens a metal welding training center with a MAD 94 million ($9.4 million) investment, while Souk Larbaa launches an agricultural trades center for MAD 34 million ($3.4 million. In Casablanca, Sidi Othman starts electrical and electronics training for MAD 32.5 million ($3.25 million), and Laouazis focuses on service sector jobs with MAD 25 million ($2.5 million). Meanwhile, two facilities, a tourism training center for MAD 15.2 million ($1.52 million) and a traditional crafts center for MAD 9.4 million ($1 million). Educational support for rural youth Izemmouren, a small community in Al Hoceima province, received its first socio-educational center, a MAD 3.5 million ($389,791) facility designed to help young people with schooling and career guidance. The new centers reflect Morocco's commitment to addressing social challenges through targeted interventions.
