India-Morocco Celebrate 900 Alumni in 10-Year Partnership

Nine hundred professionals from Morocco have gained new skills at leading Indian institutions over the past ten years, and this week they gathered in Rabat to celebrate the impact of their training. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, fully funded by India's government, brings Moroccan professionals to India for specialized courses in fields from cybersecurity to finance.

Ambassador Sanjay Rana opened the celebration by explaining how the program works. "All these courses are provided for by the government of India," he told the gathering, with the goal of "upgrading the skills and building capacities in the government sector."

The training covers areas where Morocco needs expertise most: digital infrastructure, information technology, accounting, and cybersecurity. Moroccan professionals attend courses at India's best institutions, learning alongside students from around the world.

What makes this partnership special is what happens after participants return home. Alumni share their experiences and inspire other Moroccan professionals to apply, creating a growing community of skilled workers who've experienced Indian education and culture firsthand.

The Ripple Effect

The ambassador calls these 900 graduates "the foundation of bilateral relations between our countries." When professionals travel to India for training, they don't just gain technical skills. They experience Indian hospitality, understand the culture, and form connections that last long after they return to Morocco.

This investment in people is paying off in concrete ways. Trade between the nations has grown steadily, with Indian exports to Morocco rising 8.75% in the past year to reach $101 million. The number of Indian companies operating in Morocco has more than tripled, from 12 to 40, working in sectors including automotive, green technology, and hospitality.

Morocco exports phosphoric acid and fertilizers to India, while India sends pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and packaged medicines to Morocco. These growing trade ties build on the personal connections formed through programs like ITEC.

The real success isn't measured just in dollars or course completions. It's in the 900 professionals who now bridge two cultures, understand both nations better, and use their enhanced skills to strengthen institutions back home. When countries invest in training each other's workforce, everyone wins through shared knowledge and lasting friendships.