External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in view of the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran-Gulf region, has warned of a food crisis in the coming months. He said these conflicts are placing severe pressure on Global South economies. Speaking at an Asia Society event, Mr. Jaishankar said disruptions to grain shipments from major exporters, particularly through the Black Sea, coupled with fertiliser shortages, pose a serious threat to food security.

 

The External Affairs Minister said the energy market is already “very tight”, with disruptions to oil supplies and political tensions adding to the crisis and pushing up prices.

 

He said key fertiliser producers in West Asia and Russia have also been affected, while adverse climate patterns could further worsen food production. He warned that the combined impact of energy, food, fertiliser and financial pressures is proving “very very stressful” for developing economies.

 

Mr. Jaishankar stressed that countries should not take decisions solely in their own interests when such actions risk putting vulnerable nations in distress. He said the resulting instability could further affect countries in the Global South, while some nations may find it increasingly difficult to maintain strategic autonomy. He called for greater attention to the basic needs and economic security of countries facing the fallout of global conflicts.