Nadda’s Visit to Saudi Arabia Deepens Strategic Partnership in Fertilizers, Petrochemicals, and Pharmaceuticals

Riyadh/Dammam, July 13, 2025

In a step toward fortifying economic and industrial cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri JP Nadda, concluded a high-level official visit to Riyadh and Dammam from 11th to 13th July 2025. The visit focused on deepening bilateral engagement in the fertilizers, petrochemicals, and pharmaceutical sectors, enhancing India’s long-term fertilizer security, and expanding investment and research collaboration.

Strategic Dialogues with Saudi Ministers

During his visit to Riyadh, Minister JP Nadda held a crucial bilateral meeting with Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. The leaders discussed comprehensive mechanisms to advance cooperation in the fertilizers and petrochemical value chains, with particular focus on DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) and Urea.

As a result of these engagements, long-term supply agreements were signed between Saudi Arabia’s mining giant Maaden and Indian PSUs—Indian Potash Limited (IPL), KRIBHCO, and Coal India Ltd. (CIL). These agreements ensure the supply of 3.1 million metric tons of DAP fertilizer annually for five years starting from FY 2025–26, with provisions for further extension by mutual consent. “This is a vital step in ensuring India’s fertilizer security,” said Shri JP Nadda. “It also reflects the deepening strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia in critical sectors of mutual interest.”

Strengthening Investment and R&D Cooperation

Both sides expressed intent to expand the scope of bilateral trade and investment, including the facilitation of Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to explore equity participation and manufacturing ventures in Saudi Arabia’s fertilizer industry.

They also deliberated on collaborative research to develop India-specific and sustainable fertilizer solutions, especially in the context of agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

To institutionalize the collaboration, a joint working group has been constituted, led by the Secretary (Fertilizer), Government of India, and the Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Saudi Arabia.

Visit to Maaden's Phosphate Facilities

Minister Nadda, along with Indian fertilizer industry representatives, also visited Maaden’s state-of-the-art phosphate production facility at Ras Al Khair in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The delegation held extensive discussions with Maaden’s leadership, including Chairman Hassan Al-Ali, on the progress of ongoing supply contracts and future collaboration in DAP procurement and joint manufacturing initiatives. “This world-class facility plays a vital role in supporting India’s agriculture. It was inspiring to witness the professionalism and scale of operations here,” shared Minister Nadda.

Celebrating the Indian Diaspora

The Minister’s visit also featured heartfelt interactions with Indian-origin professionals working at Maaden, who contribute significantly to the bilateral success story. Minister Nadda acknowledged the vibrant Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which exceeds 2.7 million, as “a bridge of friendship and mutual respect” between the two nations. “The warmth, pride, and connection to India among our diaspora are always uplifting. No matter where we go, our community carries India’s spirit with grace and excellence,” he noted.

Engaging the Saudi Business Ecosystem

In Dammam, Minister Nadda met with Abdulaziz Al Qahtani, Chairman of the Saudi-India Business Council, and held in-depth discussions with key members of the Saudi business community. The meetings centered around expanding bilateral investment across sectors such as fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and industrial infrastructure. “India offers immense investment potential with policy stability, world-class infrastructure, and scalable innovation. We welcome Saudi enterprises to be part of India’s growth journey,” said the Minister.

Looking Ahead

The visit marks a milestone in the India–Saudi Strategic Partnership, as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to long-term cooperation in fertilizer security, mutual investments, and sustainability-focused research. It also underscores India’s proactive diplomacy in securing global supply chains critical to national food and energy security.