RIYADH / Saudi Arabia, 14 July 2025: During his visit to Dammam and Riyadh from July 11–13, Union Minister J P Nadda led high-level talks to deepen India–Saudi cooperation in fertilizers, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
The visit culminated in long-term agreements that will boost India's Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) supply to 3.1 million MT annually from financial year 2025–26 onwards.
Nadda and Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al Khorayef witnessed the signing of five-year DAP supply agreements—extendable by mutual consent—between Saudi Ma’aden and Indian public-sector firms IPL, KRIBHCO, and CIL. Both sides also indicated readiness to expand the collaboration to include urea, reinforcing India’s fertilizer security.
The discussions further covered mutual investments: Indian PSUs contemplating projects in Saudi Arabia and Saudis considering potential stakes in India's fertilizer sector. Both nations have formed a joint working group—including India's Secretary of Fertilizers—to explore research into custom and alternative fertilizer solutions for Indian agriculture.
Nadda also engaged with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, co-chair of the India–Saudi Strategic Partnership Council’s Economy & Investment Committee, to discuss economic synergy. A separate meeting with Saudi Health Vice-Minister Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih explored cooperation in pharmaceuticals, digital health, and knowledge exchange, building on the recently signed Health MoU.
On July 12, the minister toured Ma’aden’s phosphate operations at Ras Al Khair. He also attended engagements in Dammam and Riyadh with industry and diplomatic leaders, celebrating the deepening fertilizer trade linkages between the two nations.
In 2024–25, India’s DAP imports from Saudi Arabia rose to 1.9 million MT, up from 1.6 million MT the previous year. The new supply arrangement, boosting volumes to 3.1 million MT annually, marks a decisive step toward ensuring stable and resilient fertilizer procurement.
