India is stepping up efforts to secure long-term fertilizer supplies from Morocco, as global markets reel from geopolitical tensions and export restrictions.
According to The Economic Times, New Delhi views the North African kingdom- home to the world’s largest phosphate reserves- as a critical partner for its food security strategy.
A high-level Indian delegation led by Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) at Indian foreign affairs ministry, visited Rabat this week to deepen cooperation with OCP Group, Morocco’s state-owned phosphate giant.
Discussions with OCP CEO Mostafa Terrab focused on strengthening strategic supply arrangements, joint projects in fertilizer value chains, and collaboration on soil health and agricultural sustainability.
Sources cited by the Indian daily said OCP is ready to ramp up shipments to India to meet growing demand.
Morocco already plays a pivotal role in India’s fertilizer ecosystem. OCP supplies roughly 20% of India’s phosphate rock imports, a third of its phosphoric acid needs, and dominates the market for processed fertilizers, covering over 90% of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and all triple superphosphate (TSP) consumed in the country.
In 2023, the two sides signed deals for 1.5 million tons of DAP and one million tons of TSP, volumes seen as vital to India’s agricultural policy and its push to diversify suppliers.
Beyond trade flows, OCP maintains a strong industrial footprint in India through stakes in Paradeep Phosphates Ltd and its joint venture Indo Maroc Phosphore SA with Chambal Fertilizers, ensuring local production capacity and supply chain resilience.
Mrs. Malhotra also met Omar Hjira, secretary of state for foreign trade. They discussed bilateral trade and commercial cooperation as well as opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, IT services, textiles and agro-processing.
Energy cooperation featured prominently, with talks between Malhotra and Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali centering on renewables and the International Solar Alliance. Both sides agreed to expand collaboration in sustainable mining, private-sector integration, and capacity-building under India’s flagship ITEC program.
Meetings between Indian and Moroccan officials also explored opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automotive, IT services, textiles, and agro-processing.
The Economic Times notes that Morocco has emerged as a key economic and strategic partner for India in North Africa, with more than 40 agreements in force and growing engagement in defense. This week, Moroccan Navy Inspector Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin met in New Delhi India’s Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan to discuss industrial cooperation, maritime security, and joint exercise, signaling a partnership that spans food security and strategic security alike.
In August, newly commissioned Talwar class frigate of the Indian Navy, INS Tamal, made a port call at Casablanca military port on its maiden journey from Kaliningrad to India. INS Tamal conducted a passage exercise with the Moroccan Navy while departing from Casablanca port.
Last December, Indian naval ship Tushil visited Casablanca and conducted a passage exercise with the Moroccan Navy.
