Eye on China, India ramps up fertiliser cooperation with Saudi Arabia

NEW DELHI: India and Saudi Arabia witnessed the signing of semipermanent agreements betwixt starring Sauidi mining institution Ma'aden and Indian companies, IPL, KRIBHCO and CIL, for proviso of 3.1 cardinal MT of DAP (diammonium phosphate) fertiliser per annum for 5 years, with apt hold of different 5 years with communal consent.

The agreements were signed during Union curate for fertilisers and chemicals J P Nadda's ongoing "landmark" sojourn to Saudi Arabia. Indian officials said this represents a important summation successful the availability of the important DAP fertiliser, ensuring the extremity of nutrient information successful the mean to agelong term. China is 1 of the countries India has been babelike connected for DAP supplies, and the govt is looking to trim its reliance connected the state for what is the astir utilized fertiliser successful India aft urea.Without naming China, a root said that astatine a clip erstwhile immoderate countries are showing a restrictive attack successful fertiliser supply, the committedness from Riyadh demonstrates that India's friends and partners proceed to enactment intimately to present requirements and collaborate connected aboriginal investments.Indian officials said Nadda's sojourn provided a further impetus to the expanding strategical concern with Saudi, pursuing the State Visit of PM Modi to Jeddah successful April.

"Both sides underscored their committedness to broadening the scope of bilateral relations to see different cardinal fertilisers specified arsenic urea on with DAP, aiming to guarantee India's fertiliser security. Talks were besides held connected facilitating communal investments, with a absorption connected exploring opportunities for Indian PSUs to put successful audi fertiliser sector, and reciprocally, Saudi investments successful India," said an official.