Morocco Facility as a Gateway to Africa
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India-Africa relations); Defence (Defence Exports, Defence Equipment); Indian Economy (Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): India and its neighborhood- relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India; Effect of policies and politics of developed countries on India’s interests.
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy & Security): Indigenization of technology and developing new technology; Security challenges and their management; Defence manufacturing and export.
Key Highlights from the News
India’s first overseas defence manufacturing facility was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Morocco.
This Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) plant will manufacture the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), an indigenously developed armoured vehicle by India.
This is a significant step to increase India's defence exports and establish its global influence in the defence sector.
India sees Morocco as a gateway to Africa.
African countries are facing difficulties in obtaining weapons due to sanctions on Russia. India can leverage this opportunity.
India's expertise in maintaining Russian-made weapons will help India provide Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services to African countries.
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