Renewed Momentum in India–Canada Bilateral Relations

Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri JP Nadda, held a meeting with high level Canadian delegation led by Mr. Tim Hodgson, Hon’ble Minister of Natural Resources, Canada in New Delhi on 29th January, 2026. 

Welcoming the Canadian delegation, Shri Nadda said that strengthening potash availability in India remains central to restoring soil fertility and promoting balanced nutrient application under India’s Integrated Nutrient Management framework. Appreciating Canada’s role as a reliable supplier of Muriate of Potash (MOP), Shri Nadda noted that India imports nearly 25% of its total requirement of MOP fertilizer from Canada. He also highlighted Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (GSFC) investment of CAD 49.68 million in Karnalyte Resources Inc., a Canadian potash development company. GSFC currently holds a 47.73% equity stake in the project, giving India a substantial strategic share in this important potash asset project.

During the deliberations, Mr. Hodgson affirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting India’s agricultural productivity, noting that potash is a mineral critical for agriculture. He outlined Canada’s new investment environment and conveyed that any investment made by Indian partners in the natural resources sector would be matched by the Canadian government.

Both sides also discussed India’s long-term strategy for potash security, including opportunities for technical collaboration in mining and exploration and India’s interest in securing more long-term supply contracts with Canada for MOP.

The discussions highlighted the shared commitment of India and Canada to enhance collaboration in the fertilizer sector and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations for long-term food and agriculture security. Both the countries stand to gain from this initiative which will promote deeper economic cooperation and support mutually beneficial investments in fertilizer sector.

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