The three-day official visit of Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri J.P. Nadda, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concluded today with several major outcomes aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fertilizer and healthcare sectors.
During his visit from July 11–13, Shri Nadda held high-level meetings in Dammam and Riyadh, leading a senior delegation from the Departments of Fertilizers and External Affairs. A key highlight of the visit was the signing of Long-Term Agreements between Saudi Arabia’s Maaden and Indian companies including Indian Potash Limited (IPL), KRIBHCO, and Coromandel International Ltd (CIL). These agreements ensure the annual supply of 3.1 million metric tons of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer to India starting from FY 2025-26, with a provision to extend the agreement by another five years.
This marks a significant increase from the 1.9 million MT of DAP imported by India from Saudi Arabia in FY 2024-25, which itself was a 17% rise over the previous year. The new agreements will help ensure long-term fertilizer security for India, a crucial step toward supporting Indian farmers and stabilizing agricultural input supply chains.
Strategic Collaboration in Fertilizers and Petrochemicals
In Riyadh, Shri Nadda held detailed discussions with H.E. Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, on strengthening partnerships in fertilizers, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The leaders also explored mutual investment opportunities, including potential investment by Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Saudi Arabia’s fertilizer sector, and vice versa.
To build on these discussions, a joint team has been formed led by the Secretary (Fertilizer) on the Indian side and the Vice Minister for Mining Affairs in Saudi Arabia to identify long-term collaboration areas, including collaborative R&D in customized and alternative fertilizers tailored to Indian agricultural conditions.
Boosting Health and Medical Sector Ties
The Union Minister also met with H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, Saudi Vice Minister of Health, to enhance cooperation in health services, pharmaceuticals, medical education, digital health technologies, and knowledge exchange. The meeting built on the foundation of the India–Saudi MoU on Health, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to the Kingdom.
Strengthening the Strategic Economic Partnership
In a key bilateral engagement, Shri Nadda met His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy and co-chair of the Economy and Investment Committee of the India–Saudi Strategic Partnership Council. They discussed ways to deepen economic cooperation across sectors, with a particular focus on energy, fertilizers, and high-tech collaborations. His Royal Highness also hosted a lunch in Shri Nadda’s honor.
Earlier, on July 12, Shri Nadda and his delegation visited Maaden’s Phosphate Production Plant at Ras Al Khair, one of the Kingdom’s leading fertilizer production facilities. On July 11, he was welcomed by the business community of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province at a dinner hosted by Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdul Hadi Al Qahtani, Chairman of the Saudi India Business Council.
India–Saudi Relations Continue to Deepen
Shri J.P. Nadda’s visit further cemented the growing economic and strategic ties between India and Saudi Arabia, especially in the critical sectors of fertilizers and healthcare. The long-term DAP agreements will not only enhance India’s agricultural resilience but also represent a model for sustainable and dependable international supply chains.
The visit concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, encouraging mutual investments, and working together toward common economic and developmental goals.
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