The Indian Navy’s newest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, has wrapped up a three-day goodwill visit to Casablanca, Morocco, aimed at enhancing defence cooperation and interoperability between the two nations’ navies.

The port call, held from August 6–9 during the ship’s return voyage from Russia to India, featured high-level engagements, cultural exchanges, and joint activities. The crew met senior Moroccan naval officials, including Captain Rachid Sadrhazi, Commander of the 1st Naval Base; Captain-Major Hasan Akouli, Commander of the Central Maritime Sector; Brigadier General Jamal Kaztouf, Delegated Commander of Weapons of the Casablanca Area; and Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit included bilateral discussions, cross-deck visits, sports matches, yoga sessions, and cultural performances, highlighting the growing Indo-Moroccan partnership. India’s Ambassador to Morocco, Sanjay Rana, also toured the ship and interacted with the crew and Moroccan naval leaders.

Upon departure, INS Tamal conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Royal Moroccan Navy Ship Mohammed VI, reinforcing operational coordination.

Commissioned in Russia on July 1, INS Tamal is sailing to her home base via several European and Asian ports, furthering India’s maritime diplomacy. This marks the third visit by an Indian naval ship to Casablanca in the past two years, underscoring the importance New Delhi attaches to ties with Rabat.

The Defence Ministry noted that such visits provide opportunities to share best practices, explore new avenues of cooperation, and strengthen the growing defence relationship between India and Morocco. The ongoing deployment reflects India’s commitment to expanding naval partnerships across strategic regions.