Two friends of India come forward to stop China from troubling India by…, the countries are…
New Delhi: India has fought a different kind of war with China over the shortage of fertilizers and now it seems that India has pulled itself out of this difficulty with a big diplomatic move. China’s decision to stop fertilizer exports to India can be considered one of the most drastic ways of weaponising the supply chain by Beijing. By doing this at the beginning of the Kharif season, it has caused a huge shortage of DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) for India.
Which two countries are helping India?
In such a situation, along with dealing with terrorism, trade and Trump, India also had to make a big diplomatic effort for fertilizers in the last few months. Because it was necessary to ensure adequate stock before DAP distribution for the Rabi season. The Rabi season usually starts in late July. During this time, countries like Saudi Arabia and Morocco came forward to help India.
What is the volume of total import?
Before the Rabi season, DAP imports to India reached a little more than 22 lakh metric tonnes from China. India has got help from Saudi Arabia, which is another big supplier. After talks, an agreement was reached between the two countries, under which more than 31 lakh metric tonnes of DAP will be available. Similarly, India also signed an agreement with Morocco, which will give 5 lakh metric tonnes of DAP. Still, the shortage of 7 lakh metric tonnes will be tried to be met from domestic stock. Talks are underway to increase exports from Russia since there is no sanction on fertilizer.
Which other countries is India talking to?
The government estimates that it will have adequate supply before the Rabi season. India is talking to several countries to improve this supply chain, including Egypt, Nigeria, Togo, Mauritania and Tunisia. China has been gradually working on new contracts with India for fertilizer since 2023, therefore, there has been a steady increase in supplies from Saudi Arabia, as Indian companies started feeling the pressure. However, China was better in terms of cost.
What is the connection with Operation Sindoor?
In May-June this year, China suddenly became strict in the matter of fertilizer. Indian agencies came to know that suppliers were informally told that goods going to India would not be allowed to go. This was a clear signal, which rang alarm bells in New Delhi, that too in the midst of ‘Operation Sindoor’. India had to ensure that this crisis lasted only for one season and no major problem arose at the domestic level. On the other hand, on the war front, China was actively helping the enemy.
News