EAM Jaishankar Warns of Major Global Food Crisis
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has warned that the world could face a major food crisis in the coming months as conflicts, fertiliser shortages, disrupted grain supplies and extreme weather place increasing pressure on global food security.
Jaishankar Warns of Major Global Food Crisis
Speaking in New York, Jaishankar said the international situation had become highly stressful, particularly for countries in the Global South that are more vulnerable to rising food, fuel and financing costs.
He said conflicts involving Ukraine and the Iran-Gulf region were disrupting fertiliser supplies and increasing pressure on global agricultural production.
The External Affairs Minister warned that the consequences could become more visible over the coming months as reduced fertiliser availability affects crop output and food prices.
Ukraine and Gulf Conflicts Disrupt Supplies
Russia and Ukraine remain important players in global grain and fertiliser markets, while tensions in the Gulf have created additional risks for energy supplies and international shipping.
Jaishankar said these overlapping crises were affecting food, fuel, fertiliser and finance simultaneously, creating what he described as a wider “4F” challenge for the global economy.
Disruptions to major trade and energy routes can also raise transportation and agricultural input costs, further increasing pressure on developing economies.
El Niño Adds to Global Food Security Risks
Jaishankar also pointed to the strengthening El Niño weather pattern as an additional threat to food production.
Extreme heat, drought and unpredictable rainfall could worsen agricultural losses in countries already struggling with high fertiliser and energy costs.
He urged greater international cooperation, arguing that decisions taken by major powers increasingly have consequences for countries far removed from the conflicts themselves.
