Riyadh: The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri J.P. Nadda, concluded a successful three-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on July 13, 2025. The visit, spanning Dammam and Riyadh from July 11 to 13, focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in the sectors of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, health services, and economic investment.
Major Agreements Signed
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of Long-Term Agreements between Maaden, Saudi Arabia’s leading mining and fertilizer company, and three Indian entities — Indian Potash Limited (IPL), KRIBHCO, and Chambal Fertilizers Ltd (CIL). These agreements ensure the annual supply of 3.1 million metric tonnes (MT) of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizers to India starting from FY 2025–26 for five years, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement.
This deal represents a significant leap from India’s DAP imports of 1.9 million MT in FY 2024–25, and reflects the growing strength of the India-Saudi partnership. The move is a major step toward enhancing India’s fertilizer security and addressing agricultural demands through stable, long-term sourcing.
Joint Working Group Established
To sustain and expand this cooperation, a joint working group has been formed — led by the Secretary (Fertilizers) from India and the Vice Minister for Mining Affairs from Saudi Arabia. This team will explore broader collaboration opportunities in fertilizers, including Urea and alternative/customized fertilizer, research partnerships, and mutual investments in both countries’ chemical and fertilizer sectors.
Discussions on Bilateral Investments and Sustainability
The two sides discussed mutual investment opportunities, particularly focusing on:
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Encouraging Indian PSUs to invest in Saudi fertilizer production.
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Facilitating Saudi investments in India’s fertilizer, chemical, and agriculture sectors.
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Promoting collaborative research in developing India-specific fertilizers that are sustainable and suited for local agro-climatic conditions.
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Cooperation
Shri J.P. Nadda also met H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, Saudi Vice Minister of Health, to discuss avenues for collaboration in the medical and healthcare sectors, particularly:
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Strengthening cooperation in pharmaceuticals, health services, and digital health.
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Facilitating knowledge exchange between healthcare institutions.
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Implementing the India-Saudi MoU on Health, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to Saudi Arabia.
These discussions underscored the importance of a holistic health partnership, aimed at leveraging India’s expertise in pharma and digital health to support Saudi Arabia’s growing healthcare infrastructure.
High-Level Meetings with Saudi Ministers
In Riyadh, Shri Nadda held a significant bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. The discussions centered around:
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Strengthening strategic partnerships in fertilizers, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
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Expanding the scope of bilateral relations in critical sectors.
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Exploring joint ventures and technology transfer initiatives.
Additionally, he held a separate meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Energy and Co-Chair of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council. The leaders deliberated on energy cooperation, investment flows, and enhancing economic ties. His Royal Highness hosted a formal lunch in honor of the Indian delegation.
Site Visit to Maaden Fertilizer Plant
On July 12, Shri Nadda visited Maaden’s Phosphate Production Plant at Ras Al Khair. The Indian delegation was received by Mr. Hassan Al Ali, Chairman of Maaden Phosphate. The tour allowed Indian officials to gain deeper insight into Saudi Arabia’s fertilizer production capabilities. India is one of Maaden’s key export destinations for fertilizers, making this site visit a symbolic and strategic gesture of cooperation.
Industry Engagement in Dammam
Earlier, on July 11, Shri Nadda was hosted by Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdul Hadi Al Qahtani, Chairman of the Saudi India Business Council, at a dinner in Dammam, attended by members of the Eastern Province’s business community. The event offered a platform to discuss private sector partnerships and further commercial engagement between the two countries.
Conclusion
The visit of Union Minister Shri J.P. Nadda has marked a milestone in India-Saudi relations. With the signing of long-term DAP supply agreements, India has ensured a secure and scalable supply for the next decade. Moreover, the emphasis on joint research, investments, and digital health cooperation reflects the strategic depth of this bilateral engagement. As India continues to strengthen ties with the Gulf region, this visit reaffirms the commitment to mutual growth, agricultural sustainability, and health advancement.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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