New Delhi: Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the head of the Indian Navy, greeted Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin of the Royal Moroccan Navy on Tuesday during the latter’s official visit to the country.
The Chief of Naval Staff welcomed him with a ceremonial Guard of Honour on the South Block lawns, before the two leaders discussed ways to deepen their operational ties, according to a Navy spokesperson.
“The meeting will cover “structured training exchanges, strengthening information‑sharing cooperation, and promoting shared commitment to maritime security”, the spokesperson added.
In line with the expanding maritime partnership with Morocco, the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tamal completed a three‑day port visit to Casablanca earlier this year. “The port call at Casablanca is indicative of the importance India attaches to its relations with Morocco and the endeavour to strengthen the growing defence cooperation between the two nations. It also provided an opportunity for both navies to share best practices and explore new avenues of cooperation,” the Defence Ministry said at the time.
During the 6‑9 August call, INS Tamal took part in a range of activities designed to boost cooperation between the two navies. The crew met with Captain Rachid Sadrhazi, Commander of the 1st Naval Base; Captain‑Major Hasan Akolou, Commander of the Central Maritime Sector; Brigadier General Jamal Kzatouf, the delegated Commander of Weapons for the Casablanca Area; and Rear Admiral Tahin, as highlighted in the Ministry’s statement.
“During the three‑day port call, the ship engaged in a host of activities focused on furthering cooperation and collaboration between the two navies. Bilateral discussions with senior military officials, cross‑deck visits, sports fixtures, yoga and cultural exchanges by both sides in honour of Indo‑Moroccan relations were conducted as part of the port call,” the release noted.
India’s ambassador to Morocco, Sanjay Rana, visited INS Tamal and spoke with senior Moroccan naval personnel and the ship’s crew. Upon leaving Casablanca, the vessel participated in a Passage Exercise with the Royal Moroccan Navy ship Mohammed VI.
Commissioned in Russia on 1 July, INS Tamal has been steaming home while stopping at several European and Asian ports, thereby advancing India’s maritime diplomacy and strengthening bilateral ties. It marks the third Indian naval vessel to visit Casablanca in the past two years.
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