India and Morocco Strengthen Counter Terrorism and Defence Ties
India and Morocco have intensified their bilateral security partnership during strategic high-level talks focused on combating global terrorism and expanding defense industrial cooperation.
Key Highlights
- New Delhi and Rabat convened their 2nd Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism to address emerging global security threats.
- Both nations strongly condemned major past terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi.
- Strategic defense talks focused on boosting military exports, manufacturing collaboration, and joint maritime exercises.
- A long-term framework is being developed to streamline information sharing and capacity building.
India and Morocco convened the 2nd session of their Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism on Monday. During this session, both delegations analyzed global and regional terrorist threats while exchanging insights on current and evolving counter-terrorism challenges.
According to an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions encompassed strategies to counter violent extremism and radicalization. The two sides also focused on halting terrorism financing and blocking the exploitation of modern technology by terrorist networks.
The dialogue further addressed the dangerous intersection between transnational organized crime and terrorism, alongside tracking the international movement of operatives.
Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) in Indiaβs Ministry of External Affairs, co-chaired the diplomatic session alongside Hicham Baali, who heads the National Judicial Police Brigade within Moroccoβs Directorate General of the National Police.
The official briefing noted that both nations firmly denounced terrorism in all its forms, emphasizing a strict stance against cross-border terrorism. They explicitly condemned the violent terror attack executed on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the security incident on November 10, 2025, near the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Additionally, officials planned new measures to enhance bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation. This will be achieved through active information sharing, institutional capacity building, and the exchange of operational best practices.
The two delegations reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening institutional cooperation across major multilateral platforms. These include the United Nations (UN), the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF).
According to the official communication, both states agreed to organize the next session of the Joint Working Group in Morocco at a mutually decided time.
India and Morocco share a history of deep-seated diplomatic and security relations across multiple sectors.
In 2025, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan held high-level talks with Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Navy, validating steady growth in bilateral defense engagement.
Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff reported that the military dialogue focused on expanding Indian defense exports and accelerating joint defense industrial manufacturing. It also aimed at strengthening operational synergy through bilateral and multilateral military exercises.
The defense representatives highlighted plans to scale up maritime security cooperation across vital sea lanes.
The review covered established frameworks for military capacity building, specialized training programs, and enhanced information-sharing networks. India renewed its commitment to support the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces via specialized defense courses, professional military schooling, and joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercises.
Ultimately, both nations expressed a shared intent to establish a sustainable, long-term framework designed to boost practical capabilities and secure a mutually profitable defense partnership.
History of India-Morocco Relations
The geopolitical alignment between New Delhi and Rabat has systematically transitioned from traditional diplomatic ties to a robust defense and security paradigm. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two nations have consistently supported mutual interests in international forums. The recent integration of counter-terrorism working groups and maritime defense exercises highlights a shared strategic vision to counter radicalization and secure critical trade corridors across the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions.
FAQs
What was the main focus of the India-Morocco Joint Working Group meeting?
The primary focus of the 2nd Joint Working Group meeting was to analyze global and regional terrorist threats, exchange strategies on countering violent extremism, curb terror financing, and prevent the misuse of technology by terrorist networks.
Who led the respective delegations during the counter-terrorism talks?
The meeting was co-chaired by Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) in Indiaβs Ministry of External Affairs, and Hicham Baali, Head of the National Judicial Police Brigade at Morocco’s Directorate General of the National Police.
Which specific terrorist incidents were condemned during the bilateral meet?
The two nations explicitly condemned the cross-border terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, and the terror incident near the Red Fort in New Delhi on November 10, 2025.
How are India and Morocco expanding their defense cooperation?
Defense cooperation is expanding through increased defense exports, collaborative industrial manufacturing, enhanced maritime security, joint military exercises, and comprehensive training assistance provided to the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.
