 "Why is India tapping Morocco to meet its fertiliser needs?")
India is looking to Morocco as a reliable long-term partner for securing fertiliser supplies at a time when global phosphate trade is becoming increasingly fragile. Morocco’s vast phosphate reserves and stable export policies offer India a crucial buffer against disruptions caused by major producers such as China which has tightened its fertiliser exports in recent years, According to reports.
A strategic shift amid global fertiliser uncertainty
India’s search for an uninterrupted supply of fertilisers has become increasingly urgent as phosphate-rich countries recalibrate their export policies. With global exporters such as China “weaponising” fertiliser shipments and restricting outward flows, Indian officials are charting alternative routes to ensure consistent access to phosphatic fertilisers.
Morocco, home to the world’s largest phosphate reserves has emerged as a dependable partner. The OCP Group, the Kingdom’s state-owned phosphate giant already plays a greater role in India’s fertiliser ecosystem and New Delhi is now looking to deepen that engagement through strategic supply arrangements and potential joint ventures.
High-level engagement in Rabat
This strategic alignment took centre-stage during the visit of Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) at the Ministry of External Affairs, to Morocco from 18 to 21 November. The visit, part of the regular diplomatic consultations between the two countries, examined the full spectrum of bilateral ties including trade, cultural cooperation and strategic engagement.
Malhotra held extensive discussions with Fouad Yazough, Director General of International Political Affairs in Morocco’s foreign ministry, touching upon political dialogue, defence and security cooperation, economic partnership and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides agreed to maintain regular contact with the next Foreign Office Consultations planned in New Delhi.
She also met senior officials, including Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohammed Mehdi, who invited Indian companies to explore opportunities in Morocco’s fast-growing gaming and digital creative industries. Preparations for commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026–27 also featured in the conversations.
Energy and sustainability add new layers to cooperation
In meetings with Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, both sides explored collaboration in renewable energy, particularly through the International Solar Alliance. The discussions highlighted complementarities in energy transition strategies with an emphasis on sustainable mining value chains, private-sector engagement and capacity-building under India’s ITEC programme.
Malhotra invited Minister Benali to participate in India Energy Week in Goa in January 2026, signalling India’s intent to broaden energy cooperation beyond fertilisers.
Fertiliser security at the core
A key stop on the visit was Malhotra’s meeting with Mostafa Terrab, Chairman and CEO of the OCP Group. The discussions reaffirmed the centrality of Morocco in India’s fertiliser supply chain, focusing on strengthening long-term strategic supply arrangements, exploring joint ventures and expanding cooperation in sustainable agriculture, soil health and food security.
As India seeks a stable partner amid global volatility, Morocco’s consistent export capacity and long-standing ties make it a natural choice.
A deepening partnership built over decades
India and Morocco, linked by more than 40 bilateral agreements are now preparing to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. The MEA said that the recent consultations reaffirmed the “enduring friendship” between the two nations and reinforced their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, technology, tourism and cultural exchanges.
With fertiliser security now a critical national priority, India’s engagement with Morocco appears set to become even more consequential in the years ahead.
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