- March 15, 2026
India Bolsters Fertiliser Stocks And Leads BRICS Diplomacy Amid West Asia War
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The government dismissed concerns regarding agricultural shortages while detailing the complexities of navigating a fractured BRICS consensus
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. (File pic/MEA)
In a comprehensive briefing on India’s strategic preparedness, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has dismissed concerns regarding agricultural shortages while detailing the complexities of navigating a fractured BRICS consensus. Addressing the “factual situation” of India’s fertiliser reserves, Jaiswal urged observers to avoid uninformed speculation that might induce panic, asserting that the nation’s food security remains firmly insulated from global volatility.
Fertiliser Security and the Kharif 2026 Outlook
The Department of Fertilisers has confirmed that India currently holds more than adequate stocks of essential nutrients, specifically positioned to meet the demands of the upcoming Kharif 2026 season. In a significant year-on-year improvement, Urea stocks have surpassed last year’s levels, while DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) reserves have remarkably doubled. NPK stocks are similarly reported to be in a much stronger position today than they were at this time in 2025. With the Rabi season drawing to a close, domestic Urea production is now projected to exceed nominal consumption.
This stability is the result of proactive industrial management, including the strategic advancement of annual maintenance schedules for fertiliser plants. This move has allowed India to maximise production with available gas supplies. Furthermore, the Department of Fertilisers anticipated current geopolitical pressures by issuing global tenders well in advance. These tenders have received a robust international response, with the bulk of ordered quantities expected to arrive by the end of March. To further bolster production, the government has decided to procure spot gas on a competitive basis, with the first phase of purchases scheduled for completion this Tuesday. All international partners have provided assurances of uninterrupted supply, ensuring comfortable stock levels by the time Kharif demand peaks on 15 May.
Navigating the BRICS Consensus on West Asia
On the diplomatic front, India’s role as the Chair of BRICS is being tested by the direct involvement of some member states in the escalating West Asia conflict. Jaiswal acknowledged that these direct stakes have impacted the group’s ability to forge a unified common position. Despite these challenges, India has been actively facilitating dialogue through the Sherpa channel, with the most recent virtual meeting held on 12 March.
The Indian leadership is also engaging directly with the heads of BRICS member states within the West Asian region to find common ground. As the presiding chair, India remains committed to these high-level engagements, balancing its role as a regional mediator with the need to maintain the internal cohesion of the BRICS bloc amidst a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
March 15, 2026, 00:28 IST
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