External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned in a New York forum on 28 September 2026 that the world is heading toward a major food crisis in the coming months, citing the compounded effects of the Ukraine war and the Iran‑Gulf conflict. He said the disruptions have placed Global South economies in a “very very stressful” situation.
Jaishankar highlighted the energy sector as a key concern, describing the market as “very tight” and warning that political interference could further inflate prices at a time when stability is needed. He noted that the security of oil supplies and the politics surrounding them are interlinked, creating a double crisis that threatens global markets.
The minister also warned that major grain exporters may be unable to ship to the Black Sea, while fertiliser production has been hit in West Asia and Russia. Coupled with a super El Niño climate pattern, these shortages could trigger a severe food crisis. He emphasized that finance flows toward safe havens during conflicts, adding to the stress on the Global South.
Jaishankar urged policymakers to adopt “sound common sense” and not be self‑centered, stressing that basic needs should not be neglected. He cautioned that the energy crisis has already shown political instability in the region and that the current Iran‑Gulf tensions could exacerbate the situation. He concluded that while some countries may remain autonomous, others may have to adjust or fight back depending on the stakes involved.
