Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers JP Nadda concluded his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, securing crucial agreements that will significantly enhance India’s fertilizer supply chain and strengthen bilateral cooperation in health and pharmaceutical sectors.
The visit, which took place from July 11-13 in Dammam and Riyadh, focused primarily on enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia in chemicals and fertilizers. Nadda led a high-level delegation that included the Secretary and other senior officials from the Department of Fertilizers and Ministry of External Affairs.
During discussions with Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef in Riyadh, both ministers witnessed the signing of long-term agreements between Maaden and Indian companies including IPL, KRIBHCO, and CIL. These agreements will supply an enhanced 3.1 million metric tons of Diammonium Phosphate fertilizer per annum for five years from 2025-26 onwards, with provision for further extension of five years with mutual consent.
The agreements represent a substantial increase from current supply levels. India’s imports of DAP fertilizer from Saudi Arabia totaled 1.9 million metric tons in 2024-25, reflecting a 17 percent increase over the 1.6 million metric tons imported during FY 2023-24. The new agreements will boost this supply to 3.1 million metric tons from the upcoming fiscal year.
Both sides emphasized their commitment to broadening bilateral relations to include other key fertilizers such as Urea along with DAP, aiming to further ensure India’s fertilizer security. Discussions also covered facilitating mutual investments, with focus on exploring opportunities for Indian Public Sector Undertakings to invest in the Saudi fertilizer sector and reciprocal Saudi investments in India.
The ministers deliberated on avenues for collaborative research, particularly in developing India-specific customized and alternative fertilizers to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. A joint team has been established led by Secretary Fertilizer on the Indian side and the Vice Minister for Mining Affairs in the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources on the Saudi side to explore long-term collaboration in this sector.
Nadda also held a bilateral meeting with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy and co-chair of the Economy and Investment Committee of the Strategic Partnership Council between India and Saudi Arabia, to discuss ways to enhance economic partnership between the two countries. The Prince hosted a lunch in honor of the Union Minister.
In the health sector, Nadda met with Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, Saudi Vice Minister of Health, in Riyadh to discuss enhancing cooperation in medical services, health care, pharmaceuticals, digital health solutions, and knowledge exchange. They noted the significance of the bilateral MoU on Health signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to Saudi Arabia.
The delegation visited Maaden facilities at Ras Al Khair and toured the Phosphate production plant. They were received by Hassan Al Ali, Chairman of Maaden Phosphate, and other senior officials. India represents a key export destination for fertilizers from Saudi Arabia, with Maaden being the leading company in this sector in the Kingdom.
The successful conclusion of Nadda’s visit underscored the strong economic ties between India and Saudi Arabia, particularly in fertilizers, while opening new avenues for cooperation in health and pharmaceutical sectors. The long-term fertilizer agreements are expected to provide greater supply security for India’s agricultural sector and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.
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