Union Minister of Health and Chemicals and Fertilizers, JP Nadda, recently concluded a visit to Saudi Arabia, focusing on strengthening collaboration in the fertilizer sector and encouraging Saudi firms to invest in India. During the visit which spanned from July 11th to 13th, 2025, Nadda reviewed Saudi Arabia's Ma'aden's phosphate production facility in Ras Al Khair and met with key ministers and business leaders to discuss long-term partnerships and investment opportunities.
Nadda's visit saw the finalization of long-term agreements between Ma'aden and three Indian companies – Indian Potash Limited (IPL), KRIBHCO, and Coromandel Fertilisers & Chemicals Co. These agreements ensure the supply of 3.1 million metric tonnes of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer per annum for five years, starting from fiscal year 2025-26, with the option for a further five-year extension based on mutual consent. This commitment from Saudi Arabia is particularly significant at a time when some countries are adopting a restrictive approach to fertilizer supply. In 2024-25, India imported 1.9 million metric tonnes of DAP fertilizer from Saudi Arabia, which was a 17% increase compared to the 1.63 million metric tonnes imported in FY 2023-24.
During his visit, Nadda met with Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef, in Riyadh to explore ways to strengthen the bilateral partnership in fertilizers, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. They also discussed facilitating mutual investments, with a focus on opportunities for Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to invest in the Saudi fertilizer sector, and for Saudi investments in India. To further these goals, a joint team was established, led by India's Fertilizer Secretary and the Saudi Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, to explore long-term collaboration in the fertilizer sector.
Nadda also engaged with the Saudi business community, urging them to explore the vast investment opportunities in India across various sectors, including fertilizers, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. He met with Abdulaziz Al Qahtani, Chairman of the Saudi-India Business Council, in Dammam to discuss the growing economic partnership and increasing collaboration between companies from both nations.
In addition to strengthening ties in the fertilizer sector, Nadda met with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, the Saudi Minister of Energy, to discuss ways to enhance the economic partnership between the two countries. He also met with Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, the Saudi Vice Minister of Health, to discuss enhanced cooperation in the medical sector, health services, pharmaceuticals, and digital health solutions.
Nadda lauded Saudi Arabia's support for Indian pilgrims during the Haj pilgrimage and discussed medical arrangements for Haj 2026. He also took the opportunity to visit Ma'aden's phosphate production facilities in Ras Al Khair, accompanied by representatives from Indian fertilizer companies, to review the ongoing collaboration between Indian partners. He noted the presence of a large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, with over 2.7 million Indians contributing to the Kingdom's economy.
The agreements and discussions that took place during Nadda's visit are expected to significantly enhance India's fertilizer security and promote stronger economic ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
