Jaishankar Warns of Coming Global Food and Energy Crisis Due to Ongoing Conflicts

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has warned that the world faces a major food crisis in the coming months, driven by ongoing wars and supply chain blockages.

Conflict Impact

Speaking at the Asia Society in New York on Monday, September 28, 2026, Mr. Jaishankar said the Ukraine war and the Iran-Gulf conflict are having a devastating impact on the economies of the Global South. He pointed out that major grain exporters will struggle to send out shipments, particularly through the Black Sea. At the same time, key fertiliser producers in Russia and West Asia have cut production, leading to significant shortages.

Economic Pressure

Mr. Jaishankar noted that these supply issues combine with climate patterns like a super El Niño to threaten food security. He also highlighted a tight energy market where the security and politics of oil supplies are feeding into each other to create a double crisis. Financial stress adds to this burden, as money moves away from the Global South toward safe harbors during conflicts.

Context

Global supply chains for food, fuel, and finance are deeply interconnected, meaning regional conflicts often trigger widespread economic shocks far beyond their immediate borders. Developing nations with limited financial reserves are typically the hardest hit when commodity prices spike sharply.