New Delhi, March 16 -- New Delhi is doubling down on fertilizer imports from non-West Asia countries to shield its sprawling farming sector, as regional conflict and a maritime blockade loom over its traditional supply routes. The world's largest importer of urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) is looking to boost purchases from a group of nations including Indonesia, Belarus, Morocco, Russia, and China, three officials involved in the discussions said.

Russia and China have emerged as key suppliers of urea this fiscal year, one of the officials cited above said. "Their supplies are likely to further increase along with other sources. It has become imperative to hedge with alternative sources," the person said on the condition of anonymit...