India and Africa Relations: Morocco

Basics 

• Morocco is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa.
• Capital: Rabat
• Borders: Algeria, Western Sahara, Atlantic Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea.

Areas of Cooperation

1. Historical Context
   • Early Interactions: Relations date back to medieval times through trade and cultural exchanges, including the journey of Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta to India in the 14th century.
   • Post-Independence Ties: Diplomatic relations were established in 1956, following Morocco’s independence.
2. Political Relations
   • High-Level Visits:
     • Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari visited Morocco in 2016 to strengthen ties.
     • Several Moroccan leaders, including the King and ministers, have visited India.
   • Strategic Partnerships:
     • Bilateral cooperation agreements in trade, counterterrorism, and renewable energy.
     • Mutual support in multilateral forums like the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement.
3. Economic Cooperation
   • Trade Relations:
     • Bilateral trade stood at approximately USD 2.1 billion in 2022-23.
     • India is one of the largest importers of Moroccan phosphate and phosphoric acid, critical for the fertilizer industry.
   • Investment Opportunities:
     • Indian companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and ONGC have a presence in Morocco.
     • Morocco seeks Indian investments in sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and automobile manufacturing.
4. Cultural and Educational Exchanges
   • Cultural Cooperation:
     • Festivals and cultural events promoting shared heritage.
     • Memoranda of understanding in art, language, and tourism.
   • Educational Linkages:
     • Scholarships for Moroccan students under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
5. Defense and Security
   • Counterterrorism Cooperation:
     • Agreements on sharing intelligence and combating extremism.
     • Joint training exercises and capacity building.
   • Defense Dialogue: Efforts to expand defense trade and technology sharing.
6. Renewable Energy and Sustainability
   • Morocco’s leadership in solar energy aligns with India’s focus on renewable energy.
   • Partnership in International Solar Alliance (ISA).
   • Collaboration in green hydrogen and energy transition technologies.

Challenges in Relations

• Limited direct connectivity and trade routes.
• Need for diversification of trade beyond fertilizers and energy.