Facing the volatility of the global fertilizer market and restrictions imposed by certain exporters, India is firmly turning to Morocco. With the largest phosphate reserves in the world, the Kingdom is emerging as a strategic partner for New Delhi, capable of ensuring stable and reliable supplies that are essential for its agricultural policy and food security.
This dynamic became evident this week in Rabat during the visit of Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. She was welcomed by the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, and met with the management of OCP Group, the historical pillar of Indian phosphate and fertilizer imports. The Moroccan group supplies one fifth of India’s phosphate rock imports, one third of phosphoric acid, over 90% of DAP, and all of the TSP consumed in India.
According to The Economic Times, discussions focused on enhancing long-term strategic supply arrangements, developing joint projects in the supply chain, and cooperation in areas such as agriculture, soil health, and food security. Morocco is already well-established in India through Paradeep Phosphates Ltd and the joint venture Indo Maroc Phosphore SA with Chambal Fertilizers, ensuring a direct industrial presence to secure essential raw materials.
Beyond fertilizers, the visit of the Indian delegation explored broader economic opportunities. Neena Malhotra met with Omar Hejira, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, to discuss expanding bilateral trade and prospects in the pharmaceutical, automotive, information technology, textile, and agro-processing sectors. Discussions with Leila Benali also addressed renewable energy, within the framework of the International Solar Alliance, and cooperation on sustainable mining value chains, including capacity building through the Indian ITEC program.
Morocco thus reaffirms its role as a key economic and trade partner for India in North Africa, with over 40 agreements already in force and growing cooperation in strategic sectors such as defense, exemplified by the recent visit of Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin to India. These exchanges outline a sustainable and structured framework, where food and strategic security converge to strengthen one of the most dynamic relationships between South Asia and North Africa.