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India’s Defence Diplomacy in Africa
Context:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated India’s first overseas defence manufacturing facility in Morocco, marking a milestone in India–Morocco strategic relations and India’s defence outreach to Africa.
Strategic Importance
- India–Morocco Relations
- India and Morocco have a longstanding relationship anchored in shared democratic values, historical trade ties, and cultural linkages.
- Morocco serves as a gateway to Africa, offering strategic access to the African defence market.
- Defence Diplomacy
- This initiative reflects India’s growing ambition to expand defence exports and project itself as a global defence manufacturing hub.
- Morocco’s location allows India to establish a strategic foothold in Africa and strengthen South–South defence cooperation.
Defence Export Opportunities in Africa
- Africa’s demand for small arms, bulletproof jackets, armoured vehicles, tanks, and helicopters is growing.
- Russia has traditionally been Africa’s defence supplier, but Ukraine conflict and sanctions disrupted supply chains.
- India’s historical dependence on Russian equipment gives it a comparative advantage in servicing African defence needs.
Strategic Implications
- Geopolitical Context
- India’s move strengthens its strategic autonomy, avoiding alignment with either the S.–China or Russia–West binaries.
- Defence cooperation with Africa can enhance India’s influence in UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Economic and Industrial Impact
- Overseas manufacturing increases technology transfer, boosts Make in India objectives, and strengthens India’s defence industrial base.
- Creates potential for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Africa.
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