The vibrant city of Rabat recently played host to a significant celebration, marking a decade of robust partnership and cooperation between India and Morocco under the esteemed Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. This milestone event underscored the profound impact of education, skills transfer, and human connections as fundamental pillars of the burgeoning India–Morocco relationship.
Organized by the Embassy of India in Rabat, ITEC Day brought together a distinguished gathering of Moroccan professionals who have directly benefited from India-funded training initiatives. The occasion served as a powerful testament to the programme’s success in fostering capacity building and strengthening the invaluable people-to-people ties that bind these two nations.
The ITEC Programme: A Catalyst for Bilateral Growth
ITEC Day is an annual fixture, designed not only to reconnect with the programme’s growing alumni network but also to spotlight its enduring influence on public institutions and professional development across partner countries. Fully funded by the Government of India, ITEC empowers professionals to undertake specialized training courses at India’s premier institutions, spanning an impressive array of sectors.
Addressing the attendees, Shri Sanjay Rana, Ambassador of India to Morocco, eloquently captured the multicultural essence of the celebration. Opening with a warm trilingual greeting – “Namaskar, bonjour, marhaba” – he emphasized that the day was dedicated to engaging with the “Moroccan alumni of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme.”
Ambassador Rana elaborated on ITEC’s core mission: “a program designed for training professionals of the government sector as well as agencies,” offering participants the unique opportunity to travel to India for courses “related to their fields,” delivered by “top Indian institutions.” He highlighted the inclusive nature of the initiative, reiterating that “All these courses are provided for by the government of India,” with the overarching goal of “upgrading the skills and building capacities in the government sector.”
The Ambassador further showcased the programme’s diverse offerings, which include critical areas such as “finance, accounting, digital public infrastructure, information technology, cyber security.” He proudly noted that “some of the best programmes have a very good participation from all over the world including Morocco,” underscoring the global appeal and quality of ITEC training. A key aspect of the programme’s success, he added, is the ‘ripple effect’ created when alumni return home, sharing their newfound expertise and inspiring other Moroccan professionals to participate.
Alumni: The Enduring Foundation of India-Morocco Connections
Shri Rana passionately asserted the pivotal role of ITEC alumni in bilateral relations. “The alumni of ITEC are the foundation of bilateral relations between our countries,” he declared. He explained that their exposure to India cultivates a deeper understanding of “Indian society” and “our hospitality,” forging “a close connection that develops between our alumni and India.”
Reflecting on a decade of fruitful cooperation, the Ambassador acknowledged the significant contribution of the Moroccan ITEC alumni, now numbering approximately 900 individuals. He praised them as “a great support for us in working here in the Kingdom of Morocco,” highlighting their role as informal ambassadors and bridges between the two nations.
Beyond Education: A Flourishing Economic Partnership
While ITEC strengthens human capital, the India–Morocco relationship extends far beyond training and education, underpinned by robust economic and trade ties. Expanding commercial exchange and investment continue to deepen this strategic partnership.
Dynamic Trade Relations
Recent data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) illustrates a dynamic trade landscape. In March 2025, India’s exports to Morocco reached approximately $101 million (MAD 930 million), while imports from Morocco stood at about $46 million (MAD 420 million). This resulted in a positive trade balance of around $55.3 million (MAD 510 million) for India during that period.
Between March 2024 and March 2025, Indian exports to Morocco saw a rise of approximately $8.15 million (MAD 75 million), an increase of about 8.75%. Conversely, imports from Morocco experienced a decline of around $57.8 million (MAD 530 million), or 55.7%, reflecting evolving trade patterns.
India’s primary exports to the Moroccan market include vital goods such as drug formulations, motor vehicles, cars, and biological products. Morocco, in turn, remains a crucial supplier to India, with its exports reaching $1.39 billion (MAD 12.8 billion) in 2020, predominantly led by phosphoric acid and mixed mineral or chemical fertilizers.
Over the past 25 years, Moroccan exports to India have demonstrated steady growth, increasing at an annual rate of about 6.25% from $306 million in 1995. Indian exports to Morocco have shown even more robust long-term expansion, surging at an annual rate of about 11.8% from $38.9 million in 1995 to $623 million (MAD 5.7 billion) in 2020. Key Indian export categories have included refined petroleum, packaged medicines, and cars.
Growing Investment Ties
Investment flows are also on an upward trajectory. India’s private sector increasingly recognizes Morocco as an attractive investment destination, leading to a significant increase in Indian companies operating within the Kingdom – from roughly 12 to 40. These businesses are actively engaged across diverse sectors, including automotive and information technology, signaling a promising future for bilateral economic collaboration.
The celebration of ITEC Day not only commemorated a decade of successful cooperation but also reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Morocco to deepen their strategic partnership across educational, cultural, and economic spheres, paving the way for even greater mutual prosperity.
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