Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025

Context: India, along with 18 other nations, is participating in Talisman Sabre 2025, commenced on July 13, 2025.

About Talisman Sabre 2025

• It is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, with multinational participation
• Geographical Spread: Within Australia exercises held across Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales and Christmas Island
  • Outside Australia: First-time inclusion of Papua New Guinea as an activity location
• Participants: Over 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations
  • Participating Military Forces (19 Nations): Australia, United States, India, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga and United Kingdom
  • Observer Nations: Malaysia and Vietnam
• Nature of Exercises
  • Activities Include: Live-fire exercises, Field training, Force preparation drills, Amphibious landings, Ground manoeuvres and Air combat & maritime operations
  • New Capabilities Featured: UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and Precision Strike Missiles

India Signs Long-Term Fertilizer Supply Agreements with Saudi Arabia

Context: Three leading Indian fertilizer firms signed long-term supply agreements with Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden, strengthening India’s fertilizer security.

• Three Indian companies – IPL, KRIBHCO, and CIL – signed long-term MoUs with Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden (Saudi Arabian Mining Company).

Key Features of the Agreement

• Supply of 3.1 million metric tonnes (MT) of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer annually starting from FY 2025–26.
• Valid for 5 years, with provision for 5-year extension through mutual consent.
• Reflects a substantial increase from previous import levels:
  • FY 2023–24: 1.6 million MT
  • FY 2024–25: 1.9 million MT
  • FY 2025–26: 3.1 million MT
• Discussions extended to other fertilizers like Urea and customized alternatives.

Significance of the Agreement

• Ensures long-term fertilizer security for Indian agriculture amid global supply chain disruptions.
• Strengthens India’s position as a key strategic partner in West Asia.
• Promotes mutual investment in the fertilizer sector:
  • Indian Public Sector Undertakings in Saudi projects
  • Saudi investments in India
• Encourages India-specific fertilizer R&D, sustainability solutions, and alternative crop nutrients.

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