External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has sounded a stark warning of a looming “major food crisis” in the coming months, citing disruptions in grain exports and fertiliser shortages triggered by the Ukraine war and the Iran‑Gulf conflict.
Speaking at the Asia Society in New York after the UN General Assembly’s high‑level week, Jaishankar said the situation is “very, very stressful” for Global South economies, which are already struggling with debt vulnerabilities and supply chain shocks.
“We are today looking at a situation where some of the major grain exporters will not be able to send out their shipments, particularly out to the Black Sea,” he cautioned.
The minister highlighted that the twin conflicts have had a devastating impact on food and energy security, with fertiliser shortages compounding the crisis. He stressed that developing nations are bearing the brunt, facing rising costs and limited access to essential commodities.
Jaishankar’s remarks underline India’s growing role in advocating for the Global South, pushing for fairer trade practices, resilient supply chains, and inclusive decision‑making in global forums.
