India secures 3.1 million MT annual DAP supply from Saudi Ma’aden, strengthening bilateral fertilizer trade and agricultural security ties.
In a significant development aimed at strengthening India’s fertilizer security, long-term agreements were signed between Ma’aden (Saudi Arabian Mining Company) and three Indian companies—Indian Potash Limited (IPL), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO), and Coromandel International Limited (CIL)—for the annual supply of 3.1 million metric tonnes (MT) of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer. The agreement spans a five-year period beginning in 2025-26, with an option to extend for another five years upon mutual consent.
These agreements were signed in Riyadh during the official visit of India's Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, J. P. Nadda, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from July 11–13, 2025. The event was also witnessed by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef. The visit marks a strategic step in enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of chemicals and fertilizers.
Minister Nadda led a high-level Indian delegation, comprising senior officials from the Department of Fertilizers and the Ministry of External Affairs. During his discussions with Minister Al Khorayef, both sides expressed a strong commitment to expanding cooperation beyond DAP to include other key fertilizers such as urea. The overarching goal is to ensure long-term fertilizer security for India, one of the world’s largest consumers of fertilizers.
In addition to the supply agreements, the two ministers discussed broader cooperation across petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Both sides agreed to promote mutual investments, encouraging Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to explore investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s fertilizer sector, while inviting Saudi firms to invest in India. They also explored joint research initiatives focused on developing customized and alternative fertilizers suited to India's diverse agricultural landscape, aiming to increase productivity and sustainability.
To facilitate this collaboration, a joint working group has been established. It will be headed by the Secretary (Fertilizer) from the Indian side and the Vice Minister for Mining Affairs from the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. The team will be responsible for exploring long-term partnerships and driving implementation on agreed areas of cooperation.
Minister Nadda also held a separate bilateral meeting with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, the Saudi Minister of Energy and co-chair of the Economy and Investment Committee of the Strategic Partnership Council between the two nations. The meeting focused on enhancing the broader economic relationship between India and Saudi Arabia.
During his visit, Nadda and the Indian delegation toured Ma’aden’s phosphate production facilities at Ras Al Khair, where they were received by Hassan Al Ali, Chairman of Ma’aden Phosphate, and other senior executives. Ma’aden, as Saudi Arabia’s leading fertilizer company, plays a pivotal role in meeting India’s growing demand for fertilizers, positioning India as a key export market for Saudi fertilizer products.
