India has laid down new red lines in its confrontation with Pakistan, warning against any future acts of terrorism while reaffirming its firm position on Kashmir. In an exclusive interview with Assahifa English, India’s Ambassador to Morocco outlined New Delhi’s uncompromising approach to regional security, dismissed what he called “nuclear blackmail” by Pakistan, and reiterated support for a UN-led solution on the Western Sahara, while praising Morocco’s development efforts in the region.
1. Tensions between India and Pakistan have eased after an armed conflict that caused casualties. Mr. Ambassador, what conclusions have you drawn from this conflict and this historic dispute with Pakistan?
Ambassador:
India has always approached its regional responsibilities with maturity and restraint, even when faced with severe provocations. The latest situation arose after a barbaric attack by the terrorists aided and abetted by Pakistan on 22 April in Pahalgam, India. In this horrific attack, 26 tourists, including children, were shot dead, and dozens more were injured. By the brutal way this massacre was conducted, the terrorists tried to create discord within the Indian society.
When no action was taken by Pakistan’s leadership to reduce the threat of further such attacks, India undertook a targeted operation on 7 May against terrorist infrastructure located at nine sites in Pakistan or in Pakistan-controlled territories. These terrorist facilities have a long history of being associated with terrorist training and support. The action taken by the Indian armed forces under the name “Operation Sindoor” was precise and measured. Only terrorists and their camps were targeted. We made it clear to Pakistan that we were not looking for further escalation.
Initially, Pakistan tried to take an aggressive posture, but it could not overcome the much stronger Indian defence capabilities. Pakistan's military sought a ceasefire on 10 May, to which India agreed because we are a responsible nation that values peace. We are watching the situation carefully and are ready to respond decisively to any future provocation.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, made it clear in his address to the nation on 12 May 2025 that Operation Sindoor has laid down India’s new policy benchmark in our fight against terrorism. First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place where the roots of terrorism emerge. Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail. Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism, as there is strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism on the part of Pakistan.
2. Pakistan’s ambassador in Rabat previously described Prime Minister Modi as a “cunning enemy” and a “fundamentalist hostile to Muslims.” Does this reflect the real problem between India and Pakistan?
Ambassador:
Such vile language and baseless comments on the part of a diplomat who should know better are regrettable and unacceptable. The main problem with Pakistan is that a rogue army leadership has taken over the reins of the country, and the current civilian leadership is nothing but an unpopular puppet regime propped up by army generals. Pakistan’s military has a long history of using its support for terrorists against India as a tool to balance against a much superior Indian armed forces. Pakistan’s support for terrorism against India and its complicity in repeated terror attacks against Indians is the main problem.
On the other hand, India is a pluralistic, secular democracy with over 200 million Muslims as part of its population who live with other citizens with dignity and equal rights.
3. After the recent military confrontation, what is India's vision for lasting peace with Pakistan?
Ambassador:
India's vision is rooted in peace, prosperity, and regional cooperation. However, peace cannot be achieved while Pakistan continues to support cross-border terrorism as a state policy. Any credible dialogue can only happen if Pakistan dismantles its terror infrastructure and stops providing sanctuary to extremists.
As for Jammu and Kashmir, India's position is non-negotiable—it is an integral part of India. There can be no talks about Kashmir with Pakistan. As Prime Minister Modi has stated, if any dialogue is to take place, it will only be on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, which is illegally occupied.
India’s commitment to regional peace remains firm, but this cannot come at the expense of national security. The world must draw a clear line: terrorism cannot be tolerated, sponsored, or justified. India will always prefer diplomacy and dialogue, but only on a foundation of mutual respect and the rejection of violence.
4. India's economy is growing, but income disparity is high. How can India become a global power under these circumstances?
Ambassador:
The focus of India’s economic transformation is not to achieve just some power at the global level but to bring prosperity and dignity of life to all our people. When our economy grows, the government ensures that everyone benefits through policies that promote inclusive growth. The main motto of the country’s policies is “growth for all with support of all.” The income disparity is a global challenge, and we believe that the best way to tackle it is to bring in structural reforms that aim to bring inclusive growth. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is undertaking a spectrum of programs for inclusive growth, such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, PM-Kisan, and Ujjwala Yojana—each targeting the most vulnerable segments of society.
India is also revolutionizing its digital economy. Our unified payment interface (UPI) is now a global model, and our emphasis on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and semiconductor production is preparing India for the industries of the future. We are not only lifting millions out of poverty but also positioning ourselves as a reliable partner in global value chains. With a population of 1.46 billion and a young, skilled workforce, India is driving economic growth not just for itself, but for the Global South as a whole.
5. China has made major inroads in Africa through its Belt and Road Initiative. What is India’s approach, especially in North Africa and Morocco?
Ambassador:
India has a special place in the hearts and minds of the people in Africa. India’s partnership model is different from others. It is based on mutual respect, sustainability, and shared prosperity. It is not based on schemes that abuse trust to create debt traps or asymmetric dependencies. We have earned the trust and love of the people of Africa through our partnership of equals and support for capacity building.
Morocco is a key gateway for India into Africa and a vital partner in our South-South cooperation framework. We are already cooperating in energy, IT, agriculture, and defense. India and Morocco have signed over 40 MoUs in the past few years, including in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and vocational training. We are also partnering on renewable energy projects and establishing value-based industrial ecosystems. Our partnership with Morocco is built to last—not just to expand.
6. Bilateral trade is growing but still modest. What more can be done to strengthen economic ties between India and Morocco?
Ambassador:
We are only scratching the surface of our economic potential. In FY 2022–23, bilateral trade touched $3.6 billion, and in the first nine months of FY 2024–25, trade reached $2.24 billion. India imports key phosphates and chemicals from Morocco and exports machinery, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and automobiles.
We are actively working with Moroccan counterparts to attract Indian investment in renewable energy, IT, agro-tech, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. The Tata Advanced Systems’ defense manufacturing project is one such flagship initiative. We’re also encouraging Moroccan companies to invest in India, especially under our "Make in India" and "Production Linked Incentive" schemes. Together, we can co-create economic resilience and growth.
7. Tata's combat vehicle production in Morocco is being seen as a major step. Will India expand its defense cooperation with Morocco and Africa?
Ambassador:
Indeed, the upcoming Tata Group's project to produce combat vehicles in the Kingdom of Morocco is a significant milestone in our growing cooperation. It would bring in a new phase in India-Morocco strategic cooperation and would be a model to attract more such mutually beneficial ventures.
India is ready to collaborate on co-development and technology transfer in line with Morocco's ambitions to become a regional defense hub. We recently organized a high-level India-Morocco Defense Industry Seminar in Rabat, where leading Indian companies showcased their capabilities. This should be seen as the beginning of a robust defense manufacturing partnership and security dialogue.
8. The Western Sahara is central to Morocco’s foreign policy. What is India’s position on this issue?
Ambassador:
India has been supportive of steps being taken to find a negotiated and enduring political solution to the Sahara issue. We have long supported the process under the auspices of the United Nations, including the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy. As an ambassador based in Morocco, I have seen first-hand the deep commitment and the significant initiatives being taken by the Kingdom to resolve this issue as well as bring development to the people of the region.
India appreciates Morocco’s role as a pillar of stability and moderation in the region. Our growing partnership with Morocco is rooted in shared values, strategic trust, and a vision for peace and prosperity across Africa and beyond. It is based on our shared commitment to cooperation, development, and global peace. As Ambassador of India to Morocco, I am confident that our strategic partnership will continue to grow stronger across sectors—from trade and education to defense and digital innovation.
